A Corpus Christi procession becomes a witness of solidarity with immigrants

Author: Teresa Peterson

Date Published: June 12, 2026

During the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi Procession for Immigrants held on June 7, participants prayed before the Eucharist on a special altar created by St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, a community stewarded by Franciscan friars who advocate for and support migrants in many ways.  

A basket next to the altar held prayer intentions from immigrants too afraid of deportation to attend the procession. Also on display were the names and photos of parishioners and relatives of parishioners who have been detained by immigration authorities. The display’s photos served as a powerful reminder that beyond the immigration debates are humans, families and stories marked by faith, sacrifice and hope. 

Caring for the wounds of the world

<div><p>St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.</p></div>

St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.

<div><p>St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.</p></div>

St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.

St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
<div><p>St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.</p></div>
<div><p>St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.</p></div>
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.
St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, created a special altar featuring photos, names and prayer intentions of those who are detained or too afraid to attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Corpus Christi procession. Photos courtesy of Sister Eilis McCulloh, Kathy Gallagher and Edwin Mendez.

Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, an immigrant from El Salvador and Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, a child of Cuban immigrants, led the Eucharistic procession nearly 2 miles along D.C. streets. The St. Camillus altar, prepared by the parish’s Immigrant Support and Advocacy Network, was a stop on the route. The theme of the procession — “We are the Body of Christ caring for the wounds of the world” — highlighted the Church’s call to accompany vulnerable communities. 

Participants prayed for those who have been separated from their loved ones and for all families living with the pain and uncertainty caused by detention. The community prayed for God’s care of immigrants and renewed its commitment to accompany immigrants with compassion, dignity and solidarity. 

Organized by the Archdiocese’s Office of Justice and Peace, the procession was rooted in the Catholic belief that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. During a Eucharistic procession, the consecrated host is carried through streets or sacred spaces to witness Christ to the world.  

The “Catholic Standard,” the archdiocese’s official newspaper, covered the procession and efforts by St. Camillus Parish to honor the dignity of immigrants. Click here to read the article. 

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