Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Church of the Annunciation in Shelbyville, Ky., conducted a 40-Hour Devotion on May 30 in advance of the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. The devotion began with Mass and was followed by a Corpus Christi Procession involving clergy, the Knights of Columbus, and numerous parishioners who traversed a 1.5-mile route through Shelbyville. Following the procession, the Blessed Sacrament was available for adoration throughout the night and into the next day.

Father Jean Gonzalez, pastor, stated that the event was part of the parish’s effort to participate in the National Eucharistic Revival. This is a three-year initiative by U.S. bishops focused on emphasizing the Eucharist as central to Catholic faith.

Father Gonzalez highlighted the importance of such gatherings in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think, after Covid, we lost many people,” he said. “We need to work very hard to help the people encounter Jesus again, spend time with him, open their hearts to him.”

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