The first Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or around 60 days after Easter, is when the Feast of Corpus Christi is observed. It occurs on June 8 this year. The Church of England refers to the Feast of Corpus Christi Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion, and it is also known as the Solemnity of the Most-Holy-Body and Blood of Christ.
Extensive processions in which Christians parade consecrated bread down streets lined with floral wreaths are a part of various festivals. After the solemn observance of Maundy Thursday, the Feast of Corpus Christi is a happier occasion.
See also: National Botox Day
When is Corpus Christi?
The second Thursday after Whitsun is when Catholics commemorate the Feast of Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam in German). The Eucharistic elements, also known as Holy Communion, the Last Supper, or the Lord’s Supper, are referred to as Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “the Body of Christ.” This day is recognized as a “Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion” in the Church of England.
History of Corpus Christi Day:
One of the few feasts that lay people have historically supported is the Feast of Corpus Christi. With Juliana of Liège, a canoness from present-day Belgium, who longed for a feast day outside of Lent to worship the Eucharist, it all began in the 13th century. In order to establish the feast day, Juliana collaborated with a young monk named John of Lausanne after having multiple visions of Christ that started when she was 16 years old.
She labored on accomplishing this aim for more than 40 years. They came up with an office as a group so they could celebrate the feast. Their diocesan bishop approved the writings in 1246 as a result of their success.
On August 11, 1264, Pope Urban IV established Corpus Christi as a feast day. Thanks to Eva of Liège’s efforts, Corpus Christi gained popularity and spread to neighboring towns and cities. Eva, an anchoress, carried on Juliana’s duties after she passed away. Ironically, the event was suspended by Urban IV’s successors who disobeyed his order.
Early eucharistic celebrations were lavish events attended by entire villages and cities. European Catholic monarchs’ sovereigns and nobility took part in the festivities, along with court officials and military officers. Ordinary people knelt in front of their homes as these opulent processions passed.
Pope John Paul II oversaw annual processions on the feast day that moved through the streets of Rome from St. Peter’s Square in contemporary times. One of the key holidays highlighting the core beliefs of Catholicism and Christianity continues to be the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Why do we love Corpus Christi Day?
It’s a period of joy
The day following Maundy Thursday is the Feast of the day. While this day concentrates on the Last Supper, this time period commemorates the washing of the disciples’ feet. The creation of the priesthood, and the events in the Garden of Gethsemane. Instead of gloomy reflection, it’s a lighter festival filled with joyful celebration.
Expressing gratitude to Christ
We have the “pleasure of celebrating and thanking-Christ… expressing our appreciation for sustaining us with love-through the Sacrament of his Body and Blood,” as Pope Francis put it, on Corpus Christi. On this day, we all give thanks to God for keeping Christ alive within us.
Participating in Christ’s sacrifice
Being present for the Holy Eucharist’s sacrifice is a very important theological act. By surrendering his Body and Blood to the Father together during the feast, we increase our charity and bond with Christ. We are able to completely adore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are reminded to give up things for the people we care about, just like Jesus did for us.
Corpus Christi Wishes and Messages
- In the first place, Christ himself, the origin of grace, becomes present in man via the reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
- Jesus, thank you for the gift you gave us and for showing us how to live for others. Please let us always sense your presence across the entire globe.
- In my opinion, the most important thing to do on the Corpus Christi celebration is to restore amazement and awe in the face of the mystery rather than to explain specific aspects of the Eucharist.
- There are so many outstanding fighters in Corpus Christi, but they have never been properly recognized for their contributions.
- He wants to teach us to love others and is driven by his love. Jesus visited us on earth and continues to do so in the Eucharist.
