POTTSVILLE — In an outpouring of spiritual renewal, a long line of worshippers walked in procession along Mahantongo Street on Sunday afternoon.
The Corpus Christi Procession, a joint worship service of St. John the Baptist and St. Patrick Catholic churches, was held for the first time in 15 years.
The event marked the Feast of Corpus Christi, or body and blood of Christ, observed 60 days after Easter.
The procession left St. John’s around 3 p.m. and proceeded east on Mahantongo to St. Patrick’s, where a vespers and benediction service was held.
Rev. Kevin Bobbin, St. John’s pastor, carried the Holy Eucharist beneath a canopy ushered by members of the Knights of Columbus Schuylkill Council 431.
Rev. Kevin Bobbin, escorted by Knights of Columbus, leaves St. John the Baptist in Corpus Christi procession on June 7, 2026. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO
For the second half of the procession, the monstrance was carried by Rev. Hubert Asante Kumi, assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s.
About 150 people, members of both parishes, participated in the procession and service at St. Patrick’s.
Charles Taronis, who chaired a committee from both churches that organized the event, said the revival of the procession came as the Allentown Diocese is observing its 65th anniversary.
“It was truly a joint effort,” said Taronis, noting that the spiritual music was provided by a joint choir from both churches.
Rev. Hubert Asante Kumi, St. Patrick Catholic Church assistant pastor, at Corpus Christi service on June 7, 2026. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO
In his reflection remarks, Rev. Barnabas Shayo invoked the words of Pope John Paul II, who said the Eucharist gave him the strength to serve the church and the world.
“By our procession today,” Shayo said, “we demonstrate that we are witnesses of hope to the world.”
Shayo is pastor of All Saints Catholic Church in McAdoo. He had previously been parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s.
Deacons John Matulevich and Bo Reiley participated in the service at St. Patrick’s.
The Knights of Columbus ushers were Mike McFadden, Greg Verchick, Ron Whalen and Ray Murhon.