(June 19, 2025)
“This is My Body, given up for you.” — Luke 22:19
What Is the Feast of Corpus Christi?
The Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ) is a solemn celebration in the Catholic Church honoring the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or in some countries, transferred to the following Sunday so more of the faithful can attend.
This feast is not just a celebration of a doctrine — it’s a public act of worship and adoration of Jesus truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity under the appearance of bread and wine.
A Brief History
Corpus Christi was established in the 13th century, thanks to the deep Eucharistic devotion of Saint Juliana of Liège, a Belgian nun who received visions from Jesus asking for a feast in His honor, focused on the Eucharist.
Pope Urban IV, moved by the famous Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena-Orvieto, instituted the feast in 1264 through the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo. He commissioned none other than Saint Thomas Aquinas to compose the beautiful liturgical texts for the feast — including the hymns Pange Lingua, Tantum Ergo, and O Salutaris Hostia.
Why It Matters Today
In a time when belief in the Real Presence is declining, Corpus Christi is a powerful reminder that Jesus is truly with usin the Blessed Sacrament — not symbolically, not figuratively, but literally. Every tabernacle is a throne. Every Mass is Calvary renewed. Every Host is Heaven on Earth.
This feast invites Catholics to:
- Renew our faith in the Eucharist
- Deepen our love and reverence
- Publicly witness to the presence of Christ
Processions and Devotions
One of the most beautiful aspects of Corpus Christi is the Eucharistic Procession — where the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets, often under a canopy, while the faithful sing, pray, and adore.
It’s a public witness to the faith: Jesus walks with His people, and His people walk with Him.
A Prayer for Corpus Christi:
Lord Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist,
We adore You, we thank You, we love You.
Increase our faith in Your Real Presence.
Help us to receive You with reverence,
Live for You with love,
And bring Your light to the world.
Amen.
Did You Know?
- The name Corpus Christi also became the name of cities and churches around the world in honor of this feast.
- Many indulgences are attached to Eucharistic processions, adoration, and acts of faith on this day.
- The hymns written for this feast are still used today in Benediction and adoration services.
Leave us your prayers…