Everest’s first Eucharistic Procession took place on Thursday, May 2, 2013. At that time, the present high school building was still the “boys’ school”, housing 6-8th grade boys downstairs and high school boys upstairs. The academy building was still the “girls’ school”, housing the preschool-5th grade boys and girls, as well as the 6-8th grade girls, downstairs and the high school girls upstairs. The procession began at the base of the center drive in front of the Mary statue. We processed up the main drive, around the back of the “boys’ school”, in front of the international building, all the way down the main exit drive into the present high school student parking lot, where we then proceeded in front of the white house, behind the statue of Mary, across the main entrance and into the main doors of the “girls’ school” building. We then gathered in the “girls’ school” (academy) gym for benediction and a short reflection.
Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC presided, and the original intent for this tradition (as it has remained) was to help inspire among the students a devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It was chosen to take place in May (or late April) because it is near the Feast of Corpus Christi. In 2013, this feast was on Thursday, May 30. The date it takes place each year is prior to the seniors’ last day of school so that the entire preschool through twelfth grade student body can come together in prayer. It is a beautiful tradition that unites the community and fosters devotion to the Eucharist.
