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

On June 22, the feast of Corpus Christi was marked by more than a dozen parishes in the Archdiocese of Louisville with eucharistic processions. Among them, Holy Spirit Church held its first-ever procession, drawing over 100 parishioners to participate. Father Matthew Millay, associate pastor of Holy Spirit and St. Leonard churches, highlighted the significance of this event on one of Louisville's busiest roads.

Father Millay expressed his hope that the procession would catch the attention of passersby and serve as an "act of faith" for the public to witness. He remarked on the potential impact: "Where some will plant, others will harvest."

The feast also signified the conclusion of a three-year initiative by U.S. bishops focused on the Eucharist, known as the National Eucharistic Revival. Dr. Karen Shadle, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Worship, observed growth in eucharistic devotions during this period. She emphasized that while this marks an end to a specific phase, it should serve as a "permanent refocusing" on connecting all activities to the Eucharist.

Shadle underscored that any parish activity must relate to the Eucharist: “If there’s a parish activity and we can’t explain what that has to do with the Eucharist, then it probably doesn’t belong.” She described the Eucharist as central to Catholic identity: “It binds us together.”

Father Millay noted that Catholics are reminded through this revival to live in communion and build community within their parishes through hospitality. He mentioned efforts aimed at fostering connections with young adults and school families.

Shadle also spoke about unity within the archdiocese being part of this revival effort. This year saw new norms for posture and communion rites introduced by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre for Louisville parishes.

These norms aim to encourage unity during eucharistic celebrations. Shadle explained that participation in these rites is both personal and communal: “Whenever we come together for the Eucharist...it is a corporate statement.”

In closing remarks, Shadle addressed societal divisions and how focusing on what unites—namely, the Eucharist—can help overcome them.