Corpus Christi
June 3, Monday
History of the feast
The Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted in the 13th century. Its introduction is associated with the events and spiritual experiences of Saint Juliana of Liège, a nun from Belgium, who from childhood had visions that prompted her to a special veneration of the Eucharist. In 1264, Pope Urban IV issued the bull Transiturus de hoc mundo, which established the feast in honor of the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ for the entire Catholic Church.
The feast was conceived as a way to honor and emphasize the significance of the sacrament of the Eucharist outside of Good Friday, when the Church already remembers the institution of this sacrament at the Last Supper. Since Good Friday is of a mournful nature, the feast of Corpus Christi was designated for special joy and solemnity.
The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday after the feast of the Holy Trinity, which in turn follows Pentecost. Thus, it falls on the ninth Thursday after Easter. However, in some countries where Thursday is not a day off, the celebration may be moved to the nearest Sunday.
Traditions of the Celebration
Solemn Mass. On the day of the feast, a solemn mass is celebrated, during which special attention is paid to the sacrament of the Eucharist. Priests recall the importance of this sacrament for each believer and its central role in the life of the Church.
Procession with the Blessed Sacrament. One of the most iconic traditions of the feast is the Eucharistic procession. The Blessed Sacrament—the consecrated bread and wine transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ—is carried out of the church in a monstrance (a special vessel) and paraded through the streets. This symbolizes the bringing of Christ into the world, his presence among the faithful, and his power to sanctify and save people.
Decoration of streets and houses. In some countries and regions, the houses and streets are decorated with flowers, garlands, and images on Christian themes on the eve of the procession. In Latin America and Europe, the roads are sometimes carpeted with flowers, along which the procession passes.
Musical accompaniment and hymns. Traditional church hymns are often sung during the procession and masses, including the hymn "Pange Lingua" written by Saint Thomas Aquinas. This hymn celebrates the mystery of the Eucharist and its importance to the faithful.
Corpus Christi in other years
Corpus Christi in other countries
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