The opening day of the Feast, Thursday, July 31, 2008, commences with the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) gathering at the top of Earle Street at Acushnet Avenue in preparation for marching in a procession down to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. The Festeiros, led by the Feast President, proceed to enter the church where a special Benediction Mass is celebrated by the Pastor of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Father Daniel O. Reis. During this special Mass the sincere best wishes of the church are bestowed upon the the Festeiros and the Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. organization for hosting the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament and for contributing to the well being of the entire community. The Festeiros receive the blessing of the church and are reminded to pay homage to the religious origins of the Feast which date back to the very first Feast in 1915 which was held to honor the Blessed Sacrament for a promise fulfilled. Following the Benediction Mass, the Festeiros march to the memorial area at Madeira Field honoring the original founders of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament where the opening ceremonies are held leading to the official start of the Feast.