Eucharistic procession draws 1,000 Catholics to Hollywood

In observance of the National Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities, nearly 1,000 Catholics joined a Eucharistic procession through Hollywood Sept. 9.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez led the hourlong procession, which began and ended with Eucharistic Adoration at Blessed Sacrament Church, according to Angelus News, the media outlet of the Diocese of Los Angeles. 

“Let us pray for peace in our country and peace in our world,” Archbishop Gomez told participants. “Let us go with joy and with the strength that only Jesus can give us. And let us share the beautiful reality of Jesus’ love with our brothers and sisters in Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hollywood.”

Led by 18 seminarians carrying candles and incense, the faithful prayed the Rosary and sang as they made their way through Hollywood, according to the outlet. Accompanied by Los Angeles police, the procession passed the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and several homeless encampments.

The U.S. bishops established the annual observance in 2016 to encourage prayer and reconciliation in communities affected by violence, racial divisions, and polarization, the outlet noted.

The procession’s public witness also reflected the focus of the upcoming film “Adore Him: He Is Here,” which features Archbishop Gomez in a discussion about the power of the Eucharist, according to Angelus News. Deacon Steve Greco of the Diocese of Orange, one of the film’s producers, spoke to participants ahead of its Oct. 4-8 release.

“When we take the Blessed Sacrament out on the streets, you can see how people are moved,” Greco said. “What’s going on? What’s happening? How can this transform me? They come to their knees. The Holy Spirit moves them.”