Liverpool, England, Sep 11, 2018 / 12:35 pm
An estimated 10,000 Catholics processed through the streets of Liverpool in a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, in a spirit of prayer and penance for the clerical abuse scandals.
The procession was held at the conclusion of the country's Sept. 7-9 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress. It was the largest Catholic procession to have occurred in the United Kingdom since Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982, according to the BBC.
The theme for the national pilgrimage and congress was "I am the Bread of Life." Organized by the Catholic bishops of England and Wales, it was held at the Liverpool Echo Arena and included adoration, worship music, and drama performances. Two Masses were also held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, drawing hundreds.
Eucharistic Congresses are held in different countries every three to four years. One was last held in England in 1908. The events aim to inspire a greater understanding and love of the Eucharist. Participants at the Liverpool event were also encouraged to promote Eucharistic Adoration in schools and parishes.