Feast of Corpus Christi

Feast of Corpus Christi History

The Feast of Corpus Christi commemorates the sacrament of Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church.  This includes the receiving of the Eucharist which Christians believe symbolizes the body and blood of Christ.  

This feast seeks to remind us of Jesus Christ's sacrifice Do this in remembrance of me - Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25.

In many countries, Corpus Christi is observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, however where it is not a holy day of obligation, the celebration occurs on the Sunday that follows.

Feast of Corpus Christi Facts & Quotes

• St. Juliana of Mount Cornillion (Belgian), a 12th-century nun, spearheaded the effort to include a feast day for the Blessed Sacrament.  She reportedly had a vision of the Church as a pure full moon with one dark spot, which she interpreted as the omission of a feast for the sacrament.  Pope Urban IV decreed the Feast of Corpus Christi in the mid-13th century.
• In the Middle Ages, the priest was the only person who received the elements.  The congregation watched him eat the bread and drink the wine.
• The Sacraments are Jesus Christ's presence in us.  So it is important for us to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion. - Pope Francis via twitter on Nov 23, 2013.
• The Feast of Corpus Christi (body of Christ) is held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.  In the Western Christianity, it is primarily celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church.  Some churches have moved the service to the following Sunday.  The day celebrates the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, or Holy Communion.
  

Feast of Corpus Christi Top Events and Things to Do

• If you're Christian, go to Mass and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
• Travel to the Vatican City and watch the annual procession of the Blessed Sacrament, headed by the Pope, through the streets of Rome.
  
• A wide range of theologies exist about Holy Communion.  Read about how the elements of bread and wine are related to the body and blood of Christ depending on your denomination.
• Teach your children about Holy Communion at home with grape juice and regular bread.  Some denominations allow children to take communion, but instead of saying, "This is my body broken for you," or "This is my blood shed for you," communion servers will say to a small child, "This means Jesus loves you."

Feast of Corpus Christi References and Related Sites