A scene from a past Corpus Christi procession at the motherhouse of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in East Peoria. Bishop Jenky has encouraged wide participation in this year's procession, which begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. (The Catholic Post file/Jennifer Willems)

EAST PEORIA — One of the longest running annual public celebrations of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the Diocese of Peoria will be even more special this Sunday, June 18.

While encouraging Eucharistic devotion at parishes around the diocese on Sunday, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has given enhanced significance to the annual Corpus Christi procession at the motherhouse of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, 1175 St. Francis Lane in East Peoria.

In letters to the vicars of the Peoria and Pekin vicariates, Bishop Jenky encouraged wide participation in this year’s procession, which begins at 2 p.m.  After an hour of devotions as the Blessed Sacrament is carried throughout the motherhouse grounds, the Sisters will offer refreshments in their multipurpose room.

This year’s procession will feature a theme of prayers for vocations.

All altar servers and First Communicants in the Diocese of Peoria are invited and are encouraged to wear their vestments, special dresses or suits.

“We’re really hoping for a great crowd,” said Msgr. Stanley Deptula, director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship. “We’re also praying for good weather, of course,” he added, though even in the case of rain “the Sisters are ready for us to pray inside.”

“It should be beautiful,” said Sister Therese Ann Brazeau, OSF, secretary of the Franciscan community. She said the devotion, which usually draws about 50 people, has been taking place annually for decades, dating back prior to the move to the present motherhouse in 1965.

Sister Therese Ann said the community will be assisted this year by staff of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. Motherhouse employees will help direct parking, and members of two other religious communities — the Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martry St. George — will coordinate two of the three altars where the outdoor procession with the Blessed Sacrament will pause.

Those who wish to join the Sisters earlier may come for adoration, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Other Corpus Christi processions made known to The Catholic Post include:

• In Bloomington, a procession around the neighborhood of St. Mary Church, 527 W. Jackson St., at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday
• In Rock Island, a procession between Sacred Heart and St. Mary churches, leaving Sacred Heart Church after the 9 a.m. Mass and traveling six blocks to St. Mary in time for its 10:30 a.m Mass.
• In LaSalle, Benediction on the steps of St. Hyacinth Church at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday following a bilingual Mass there at noon. A procession will then take place to St. Patrick Church for a second Benediction on its steps. The procession continues to Holy Rosary Church for Benediction on its steps. The devotions will be followed by refreshments in the Trinity Catholic Academy Gym.