Legion of Mary takes the Eucharist onto the streets of Cleveland during annual procession

Members of the Legion of Mary, Northern Ohio, which includes the Diocese of Cleveland, gathered in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sept. 5 for their annual Mass and Eucharistic procession.

The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with more than three million active members throughout the world. It has been active in the United States since 1931. Servant of God Frank Duff founded the legion in Dublin, Ireland in 1921.

Father Kyle Rosser, legion spiritual director in the diocese, celebrated Mass and led the procession through streets in downtown Cleveland near the cathedral.

The event traditionally takes place on the closest Saturday to the Blessed Mother’s nativity, Sept. 8.

In his homily, Father Rosser said the weeks between the end of Mary’s earthly life (the Assumption, Aug. 15) and her birth (Sept. 8) are significant. “She brings us to her heavenly son,” he said. “Our mother knows our ills, pains and weaknesses and takes us to the divine healer, her son, Jesus. “She has a great love, guidance and intercession for us. We seek intercession for ourselves and to lead others to Jesus.”

He mentioned the analogy used by Blessed Archbishop Fulton Sheen, comparing an earthly mother taking her children to the doctor with Mary, our heavenly mother, taking her children to Jesus, the divine healer. She is like a tour guide who ensures we can find the way to Jesus, he said.

By processing through the streets of Cleveland with the Eucharist, we are showing others what she has done and can do.

“With the intercession of the Blessed Mother, may we hear the Lord’s call and be faithful followers of Christ with Mary leading us to him,” Father Rosser said.

After leaving the cathedral, the procession headed north on East Ninth Street, west on Lakeside Avenue, south on St. Clair and back to East Ninth before returning to the cathedral. Those in the procession prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet as they walked.

After returning to the cathedral, Father Rosser led the faithful in praying the rosary and he presided at benediction and closing prayers.

Learn more about the local Legion of Mary here.