ORLANDO | On June 1, Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Orlando will come together at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, as pilgrims on a Eucharistic journey. In celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi, Bishop John Noonan will process with the Blessed Sacrament to altars of repose adorned by communities of various nationalities. Pilgrims will also share in The Gift of Sacred Mystery as they come together for Mass and to hear speakers talk about the Eucharist as Communion, Participation, and Mission.

Those present will hear Father Brian Campbell speak about Communion, Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Kathleen Harmon on participation in the Mass, and Dr. Rosemary Laird about living the mission of the Eucharist.

Father Campbell serves in the Diocese of Palm Beach and writes Sunday Word articles for Florida Catholic. Drawing from Scripture, he will break open the word, drawing connections between Old and New Testaments and setting the stage to reveal the foretold sacrifice of Christ for the redemption of the world. From Genesis to Christ’s crucifixion, Father Campbell will illustrate the saving power of the Eucharist and how, by receiving Him in faith leads to transformation.

Sister Harmon is an author of several books on liturgical music. Her books include: The Mystery We Celebrate, The Song We Sing, The Minister of the Music, The Ministry of Cantors and Becoming the Psalms: A Spirituality of Singing and Praying the Psalms. She brings her extensive knowledge of the liturgy, and will focus on the sign of the cross during participation in the Mass. By taking a deeper look into the mystery of sealing ourselves with the sign of the cross,
pilgrims will learn how this action of participation invites them fully into the Eucharistic sacrifice, leading to sharing the gifts of God and themselves with the world.

Dr. Rosemary Laird has more than 20 years of experience in patient care with an emphasis in senior healthcare. She will share how the Eucharist has impacted her own life as she and her husband raised four children, conscious of the need to teach them how to be Eucharist to others. “We are called to make a difference as persons, for and with others,” Dr. Laird said. She will share how key moments and experiences shaped her “daily expression of faith in action,” as a mother, sibling, wife, daughter, and doctor.

As the National Eucharistic Congress approaches, Bishop Noonan invites everyone to come together as the Body of Christ to learn, worship, participate and become one with The Gift of Sacred Mystery. The event will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, June 1, 9 a.m.-noon.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, May 15, 2024