Following a fervent call from Bishop Joseph Espaillat, the Episcopal Vicar for the Bronx, for all West Bronx priests to accompany him on Corpus Christi Sunday, thousands of faithful gathered for a moving Eucharistic procession organized by the bishop and Father José Félix, Dean of the West Bronx.
Father José Félix, a native Spaniard, is an enthusiastic promoter of public expressions of faith. Inspired by the traditional processions deeply rooted in Spanish and Hispanic cultures, he worked closely with the bishop to bring to fruition this significant day for the Church in the Bronx.
Throughout the procession, priests, deacons, and religious leaders, including the Sisters of Life, the Servants of the Risen Christ, and the Missionaries of Charity, among others, led moments of prayer and reflection in English and Spanish. The result was a celebration of diversity and spiritual richness that exemplified the universality of the Church.
Bishop Espaillat actively participated in the procession, encouraging the faithful with meditations, songs, prayers, and deep reflections. He invited everyone to believe in Jesus and to live according to his commandments. His presence and enthusiasm inspired and strengthened the spiritual lives of all those present.
The Our Lady of Mercy Church community, under the leadership of its pastor, Father Osvaldo Hernández, beautifully decorated the vehicle that transported the Blessed Sacrament, which Father Hernández also drove throughout the procession.
The musical ministries of the parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Martin de Porres provided the music that accompanied this act of faith. Their voices rose in praise, creating an atmosphere of deep worship, joy, and unity along the route.
Father Fredy Patiño, who helped organize the procession and served as its master of ceremonies, reflected on the event, saying, “This is the South Bronx, land of hope and living faith. Under the burning sun, more than 15,000 hearts walked with Jesus, who was truly present in the Eucharist. There was prayer, joy, and tears. But above all, there was love. The love of people who believe and of a community that knows who walks among them. It was not just a procession; it was a testimony. The Bronx believes. The Bronx worships. The Bronx walks with Christ. That’s how faith is lived in New York. The Church is alive.”
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), more than 15,000 people participated in this extraordinary display of faith. The event was so large that police units from Brooklyn joined in to ensure security.
Despite the heat advisory, volunteers from various ecclesial movements, including Emmaus, the Charismatic Renewal, Lazos de Amor Mariano, the Christ of Esquipulas Group, the Marriage Movement, and the Cursillistas were in charge of distributing water, assisting with logistics, and fostering an atmosphere of recollection, joy, and deep fervor.