By Marc Aubin
Each spring, Lowertown was the site of a beautiful and well-attended procession in honour of the Feast of Corpus Christi (Fête-Dieu in French). Imagine our neighbourhood with thousands of our neighbours lining the streets and watching as a parade of people of all ages in various religious robes walked by singing in unison. The houses along the route would have been decorated with banners, flags, Christian religious symbols and plants.
The march was typically led by a horse, a cross bearer, and two lines of alter boys in robes carrying candles. The De La Salle cadet band [A1] also led with musical instruments. The various lay religious associations carrying their banners in honour of various saints followed them. Groups in the parade included the Champlain Guard [A2] , Canadian Papal Zouaves[A3] , Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, school children and their teachers, and choirs. These were followed by the religious people of the community, with the Grey Sisters and Brothers of the Christian Schools being the most numerous. They ran the hospitals and schools in Lowertown.
At the end, under a canopy, the Archbishop carried a brass monstrance with the consecrated Host inside.[A4] . Corpus Christi is the day that Catholics celebrate the breaking of bread by Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago, as described in the Bible.
The event in Ottawa was so big that it was reported as far away as Toronto some years. The thousands of spectators also included curious English Protestants from Upper Town, as well as prominent Lowertown politicians, professionals and businessmen. St. Brigid’s held its own separate procession starting in 1929, while other parishes in Vanier and Hintonburg also held processions.
The route started at Notre-Dame Cathedral following Mass, but the destination changed each year. Some years, a Catholic building, such as a school, convent, or church would be the destination. Other years, it would be the house of a prominent Lowertown family. While the procession was a spectacle, it was the destination that was most important. Some years, there were multiple stops, and it sometimes took place at an exceptional location, such as the French Embassy (1945), and King Edward Avenue Park (1937) and under the trees on the King Edward Avenue boulevard (1938).
A beautifully decorated temporary altar – the repository for the monstrance – and decorations were found at the destination. Upon arrival, the Archbishop would bring the monstrance to the altar, while everyone on the street would kneel as a sign of reverence. A ceremony in honour of the Host would proceed.
The Corpus Christi procession had significance beyond its Catholic roots. Like other religious and secular public parades, it had the effect of creating a sense of community. It was also a subtle way of sending a message to others, especially outside the community, that Lowertown belonged to the people who lived here.
It is not clear when Corpus Christi was first celebrated in Lowertown. It is clear that it was very well attended by the early 20th century and died down some time in the 1960s.
Corpus Christi will be celebrated this year on June 20, 2019. Let’s pause for a moment and be reminded of this beautiful display of community that has now faded away, but has not been forgotten.
Do you have photos of past Corpus Christi processions or Lowertown? Contact Marc Aubin at marc.s.aubin@gmail.com or 613-290-6593 .