Eucharistic procession a ‘breakthrough’ in Ireland

Thousands of people walk prayerfully together through the streets during a Eucharistic procession in Derry, Ireland, on the feast of St. Brigid, Feb. 1, 2025. / Credit: EWTN Ireland

Derry, Northern Ireland, Feb 12, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

On the recent feast day of St. Brigid in Ireland, thousands of people walked the streets together in a joyful celebration of prayer that has attracted global interest. The Come Follow Me Procession on the feast of one of Ireland’s patron saints was organized by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) and a group of lay Catholics.

“We want to bring Our Lord Jesus to people who no longer go to church, those who are lost or those who have no hope. There is a lot of darkness here, and when we lift Jesus high, we know that hearts are changed,” said Father Antonio Maria Diez de Medina, CFR, who has encouraged an active interest in Eucharistic processions in Ireland. 

Holding the procession on the feast of St. Brigid was no accident, Diez de Medina explained to CNA. “There is a tendency to make her into a New Age saint or a goddess and part of it was to correct that,” he said.

“We need to carry Our Lord Jesus in our hearts, and I really believe there is a new fire, a new hope, and a new song,” he said.

Roisin Doherty, another organizer, said: “We are looking today to see Jesus come alive on the streets in public witness so that people will come to know Jesus Christ the King and his Eucharistic heart beating on the streets. This today is a breakthrough; Jesus is here, and Ireland is coming back to God.”

Worshippers of all ages took part in the Eucharistic procession, singing and bearing religious statues, banners, and flags with images of Jesus, St. Brigid, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Derry’s own Sister Clare Crockett.

The procession halted for adoration in Guildhall Square, a moving and powerful setting that was the scene of many past Catholic civil rights protests.

Prayer intentions included an end to abortion, euthanasia, and war; the healing of families from sin, division, addictions, and suicide; and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

“There can be a fear of expressing your faith, of hiding your Catholic identity, so we bring him to those who are lost, those who have given up on the Church, those who no longer go to church,” Diez de Medina said. “Really, we become his hands and feet when we bring him out onto the streets and venerate him.”

The Eucharistic procession was featured in a segment on “EWTN News Nightly,” which can be viewed below.