Corpus Christi

Every year, Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is the Sunday following Pentecost. In some countries, including the United States, the solemnity is transferred to the following Sunday to allow for greater participation by the faithful. This feast honors the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, celebrating the belief that Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—in the consecrated elements of bread and wine.

History of Corpus Christi

The origins of Corpus Christi trace back to the 13th century, inspired by the visions of St. Juliana of Liège, a Norbertine canoness from Belgium. From a young age, Juliana had a profound devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and longed for a special feast day to honor it. She reported a vision of the Church under the appearance of a full moon with a dark spot, symbolizing the absence of such a feast. Encouraged by her confessor and other clergy, Juliana’s vision gained support, leading to the first celebration of Corpus Christi in the Diocese of Liège in 1246.

The feast gained universal status in 1264 when Pope Urban IV, formerly the Archdeacon of Liège and familiar with Juliana’s advocacy, issued the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo, establishing Corpus Christi as a feast for the entire Latin Church. To enrich the celebration, he commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the liturgical texts and hymns, including the renowned “Pange Lingua” and “Tantum Ergo,” which are still integral to the feast’s liturgy today.

Why is Corpus Christi important?

Corpus Christi holds significant importance as it solemnly celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a central tenet of Catholic faith. While the institution of the Eucharist is commemorated on Holy Thursday, that day also marks the beginning of the Passion, making it a more somber occasion. Corpus Christi, therefore, provides an opportunity for a joyous and public celebration of the Eucharist, allowing the faithful to express their devotion and gratitude for this profound mystery.

The feast also serves as a public affirmation of faith, particularly through Eucharistic processions, where the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets in a monstrance. These processions are acts of worship and evangelization, bringing the presence of Christ into the public sphere and inviting all to reflect on the significance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and individual believers.

• Celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist
• Provides a joyful occasion distinct from the solemnity of Holy Thursday
• Encourages public expressions of faith through processions
• Reinforces the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic life
• Invites reflection on the mystery and gift of the Blessed Sacrament

How to Celebrate Corpus Christi

Celebrating Corpus Christi can be a deeply enriching experience. One of the most traditional ways is participating in a Eucharistic procession, where the consecrated host is carried through the streets, often accompanied by hymns, prayers, and the faithful. These processions are not only acts of devotion but also public testimonies of faith, bringing the presence of Christ into the broader community.

For those unable to attend a procession, spending time in Eucharistic adoration is a meaningful alternative. This involves praying and reflecting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, fostering a deeper connection with Christ. Additionally, attending Mass, reading Scripture passages related to the Eucharist, or singing traditional hymns like “Tantum Ergo” can enhance one’s appreciation of the feast.

• Participate in a Eucharistic procession in your parish or community
• Spend time in Eucharistic adoration, reflecting on the presence of Christ
• Attend Mass and receive Holy Communion with reverence
• Read and meditate on Scripture passages about the Eucharist
• Sing or listen to traditional hymns associated with the feast