Christ at the Center: SMCHS Holds First Eucharistic Procession

On the morning of Tuesday, March 17, Santa Margarita Catholic High School marked a historic and spiritual milestone: the school’s first-ever Eucharistic Procession. 

Following the all-school Mass, students, faculty and staff united for the memorable event. At the center of the procession was the Eucharist - what Catholics believe to be the true presence of Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity - carried reverently in a monstrance as the community followed in prayer and quiet devotion. 

Rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition, a Eucharistic Procession is a powerful public witness, an expression of faith that both proclaims Christ’s presence and calls down God’s blessings upon a community. 

Head Boys Water Polo Coach, Ivan Buich participated in Eucharistic Processions growing up in Croatia, a common part of Eastern European culture. Buich said he is grateful this centuries-old Catholic tradition was brought to Santa Margarita. 

“There’s a deep sense of spirituality when a large group of people of all ages comes together for a greater purpose. You feel connected to your community and previous generations,” said Buich. 

Before the procession began, Rector Father Matthew invited those gathered to reflect on the significance of the moment. 

“The Eucharistic Procession is an opportunity to show love and honor to God in the form in which He showed us the greatest love, by leaving Himself to us in the Eucharist,” he said. “It’s a visible way of centering our lives and our community on Christ.” 

He also emphasized the tradition’s enduring place in the life of the Church. 

“This is something the Church has done for centuries,” Father Matthew said. “It brings an abundance of God’s blessing and grace upon communities. Today, we have the opportunity to rally around Jesus, to follow Him, to show Him our campus, and to ask for His blessing in every part of it.” 

Drawing a relatable comparison, he added, “In a parade, we showcase what matters most to us. Today, we show that Christ is at the center of who we are.” 

As the procession moved through campus, a profound stillness settled over the crowd. At the first station, the entire Santa Margarita community knelt in unison before the Eucharist, a striking expression of reverence. 

“To me, the procession was a great act of unity and reverence within our school,” said Bella Emanuel ’27. “It was amazing how we all came together to honor and glorify the Lord’s true presence. What stood out most was being able to bring Jesus to the whole community, and to have Him lead us through campus.” 

Reflecting on that moment, Father Matthew noted, “When everyone knelt, it was a clear demonstration that Christ is at the center, one visible moment where we were all focused together on Him.” 

More than a single event, the procession became a defining expression of Santa Margarita’s identity as a faith-centered community. 

“It’s one thing to live out our faith personally,” Father Matthew shared. “But there is something incredibly powerful about living it out together. What we saw was a community united, focused entirely on Christ.” 

The experience also revealed something deeper: the students’ capacity for reverence, intentionality and spiritual depth. 

“What we witnessed was truly incredible,” Father Matthew said. “Our students turned to the Lord with sincerity and focus.” 

As Santa Margarita continues to foster both academic excellence and spiritual growth, this first Eucharistic Procession stands as a meaningful milestone - one many hope will become a lasting tradition. 

In a world often marked by noise and distraction, the quiet strength of that morning offered something rare: a visible sign of faith, unity and hope. 

And at the center of it all was Christ. 

“It’s so beautiful and powerful to not just live out our faith personally, but to live it out together,” Father Matthew said.