A reader sent this my way: a report about a fairly huge Corpus Christi procession in a corner of the country that’s not noted for being Catholic.

From Washington state:

Kimberly Daniels was busy watering her garden Sunday when hundreds of Catholics walked by her Veneta Avenue home.

She watched as choir boys holding a crucifix and candles first passed. Then tuxedoed Knights of Columbus bearing ceremonial swords. Then choir singers and small children dropping rose pedals into the street. The distinct smell of incense and the sounds of songs followed as families passed by.

Daniels noted with interest the different and colorful wardrobes that passed, and was impressed with all the “different ages” of those who’d walked.

Little did she know that she’d witnessed the city’s first-ever “Corpus Christi” procession, a Catholic tradition that brought hundreds out to walk a 1½-mile path around neighborhoods in West Bremerton. The procession was organized by Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.

Daniels was definitely not alone in checking things out. The procession attracted much interest of the many eyes peering out homes along the way. Some grabbed cameras to document it.

Robert Caires, another Veneta Avenue resident, said he’d never seen anything like it before.

“It was nice,” he said simply.

Joseph Radoslovich, a Ninth Street resident, had seen similar processions in Croatia, where he’s traveled to and his familial roots come from. He was impressed at the size of the procession.

“This is huge,” he said.

Much of the inspiration for such an event came from the church’s new pastor, Father Derek Lappe.

“He’s full of energy,” remarked Jim Snider, a 10-year parishioner who towed a tub of water to help keep participants hydrated along the route.

Lappe came from Camas and began at the church in July 2008. In his studies and travels of Europe, he remembers fondly seeing such processions there, particularly in Italy.

The “Corpus Christi” procession, he said, dates back to the 14th century, Lappe said. The centerpiece of such a walk is the Eucharist — a portion of bread or wine that Catholics believe is the actual body of Jesus Christ — that is paraded along to show to the city’s residents. The

Eucharist is contained within a “monstrance,” or gold-colored vessel that resembles the sun.

Along with bringing the religion to the city, many prayers along the way were conducted for the city’s residents. The procession stopped at seven homes of parishioners along the route, where a blessing was carried out at each one.

Check out the link for more, along with additional pictures. (Foonote: We had a huge procession in Queens for the feast, and we’ll have a full report on tonight’s edition of “Currents.”)