The Catholic Church holds that the Eucharist represents the “source and summit of the Christian life,” where Jesus is believed to be truly present. However, retired priest Larry Dowling, along with a few other clergy members, seems to use the Eucharist in a political context as well.
So, who is Larry Dowling? Much of his retirement appears to involve promoting left-leaning views on social media. Recently, he was involved in a Eucharistic procession from St. Eulalia Church, which has ties to pro-abortion activist Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). They made a statement about immigration, particularly concerning the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois.
This facility has faced intense scrutiny recently from activists who oppose the strict enforcement of federal immigration laws by the Trump administration, leading to increased security measures, including added fencing.
“Processions through public roads should serve as a demonstration of reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist,” Dowling noted during the event.
In a video from the procession, Dowling was seen leading photographers while holding a communion pedestal, all under the watchful eyes of state police. It’s uncertain if the communion involved a consecrated host at that moment.
The footage also featured individuals thought to be nuns delivering political speeches before a makeshift altar set up near the facility.
A canon law expert commented, on condition of anonymity, “This seems completely inappropriate.”
The 1983 Code of Canon Law does state that processions through public spaces may occur, but only at the discretion of the diocesan bishop. This expert emphasized that participation rules for processions are established by the diocesan bishop and that using the Eucharist as a political prop is entirely unacceptable.
David Inczauskis, a Jesuit priest, served as the master of ceremonies for the event coordinated by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, a group that advocates for various social changes. They are known for their focus on issues like racial and economic justice, but their alignment with anti-ICE sentiments has raised eyebrows.
Dowling, Inczauskis, and Cardinal Blaise Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago have yet to respond to inquiries regarding their roles in this controversial event.
Dr. Bill Donahue, president of the Catholic Religious Civil Rights League, voiced strong disapproval, stating that the Coalition does not seem to incorporate Christian or Catholic ideals in its mission. He pointed out the troubling blend of liberation theology and Marxist principles that the Coalition appears to promote, labeling it as detrimental rather than liberating for marginalized communities.
Participants in this procession seemed focused on making political statements and capturing media attention. Coverage from various left-leaning outlets indicates that this was, at least partly, their intention.
Donahue added, “Eucharistic processions are solemn events designed to bring the sacrament out of the church and into the open, often seen during the Feast of Corpus Christi. Using them to promote specific political agendas is not the way of Catholic tradition.”
In a Facebook post, Dowling expressed that their intention was to extend compassion to detainees facing harsh conditions, saying, “The answer was clear: No, you cannot bring even a sliver of compassion into this place!”
Meanwhile, Inczauskis described the situation as “a new level of evil,” claiming that immigrants face separation from their religious communities. However, the Department of Homeland Security pointed out that their inability to accommodate requests for access was rooted in safety concerns stemming from violent protests around the facility.
In light of the recent disturbances, ICE officials have emphasized that any requests for tours must be approved well in advance to ensure safety and maintain order.
