Tolleson Catholics take their faith to the street

By Janice L. Semmel | July 1, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

TOLLESON — Residents and motorists watched approximately 250 Catholics from Blessed Sacrament Parish walk down the center of Van Buren Street June 13 to commemorate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Multiple generations — from babies in strollers to Catholics in wheelchairs and golf carts — joined the police-escorted eucharistic procession. Some caught up to the procession as it wove its two-mile journey through the town. Fr. John Lankeit, pastor of the parish, compared it to “a holy snake going through the neighborhood.”

Cody McDonald, a seminarian serving at the parish this summer, organized the Corpus Christi procession, recruited altar servers to carry candles and kept everyone on course. Along the route, the procession stopped for adoration at three altars set up at neighborhood homes. 

“We are walking with our true hero, Jesus Christ,” said Josie Saniego.  “Our branches will be stretched to everyone. Praise God, we are walking with you Jesus, in the streets of Tolleson. We are walking with Jesus leading us.”

The procession participants walked quietly, praying and signing hymns in Spanish as Luis Solorio played guitar.

At 10:15 a.m., the procession returned and filled the church.

“We had 60 or 70 last year and many more this year,” said Fr. Lankeit. “I encourage everyone to bring five more each next year. Let your light shine before man. I don’t think I’ve been prouder. You will help others be drawn into this.”