By Father Matthew Biedrzycki • Posted October 15, 2024

St. Helena and St. Ambrose parishes in Philadelphia’s Olney section joined officers of the 35th Police District and other local clergy on Saturday, Oct. 12 for a eucharistic procession through the streets of the neighborhood.

The procession was conducted as part of the Philadelphia Police Department’s observance of the Faith and Blue Program, a national effort to build safer, stronger, more just and unified communities through collaboration with faith-based organizations.

The event also coincided with the feast day of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was known for his great devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and his website commemorating various eucharistic miracles throughout the world. Blessed Carlo will be canonized by Pope Francis at a future date.

The procession was part of the Philadelphia Police Department’s observance of the Faith and Blue Program.

The procession began at Feliz Filadelfía Ballfield at the corner of Nedro and Hammond Avenues. From there, the procession wound its way through the streets of Olney toward St. Ambrose Church, a distance of nearly two miles. The celebration concluded with benediction at St. Ambrose.

For Andrea Santiago, a parishioner of St. Helena Parish and one of the organizers of the event, the procession was a “powerful, wonderful blessing for the community.”

Jose Rivera, founder of Feliz Filadelfía Community Center in Olney, said, “It was heartening to see so many people come together in prayer for our city.”

Officer Robert Hoppe of the 35th District said, “It was a blessing to join St. Helena, St. Ambrose and clergy of the 35th District as one to help spread peace.”

The procession offered an opportunity to witness Christ in the Blessed Sacrament for those walking the length of the route and those looking on from the streets.

“The whole day was a beautiful expression of the Eucharistic Lord for his people,” said Father Charles Ravert, pastor of St. Ambrose Parish.

Faithful speak during the eucharistic procession.

In addition to bringing together faithful from the parish communities of St. Helena and St. Ambrose, the procession drew members from other parishes as well.

“I am so happy to have been part of such a beautiful and sacred experience as we walked through the Olney community in unity,” said Mariette Matos, a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Philadelphia and faculty member at St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School.

“Having the Blessed Sacrament accompanying us in this procession is such a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and his constant companionship in our lives. We never walk alone.”

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Father Matthew Biedrzycki is parochial vicar at St. Helena Parish in Philadelphia.