The feast of Corpus Christi, “the Body of Christ,” is celebrated on the Thursday after Holy Trinity Sunday, 60 days after Easter, or, in countries where it is not a holy day of obligation, on the following Sunday.
This holy day is a time to reflect on the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine we receive at each Mass. As we honor Him, let us remember that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. It is not just a symbol or a remembrance; it is Him, in body, blood, soul, and divinity. This mystery goes beyond our understanding.
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How did the feast come about?
The origin of the feast lies in two separate Eucharistic miracles. These miracles are moments of divine intervention that confirm the faith in the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. They were: the vision of Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon and the Miracle of Bolsena.
The Vision of Saint Julienne of Mount Cornillon
Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon (1222-1258) had a vision of the Church under the appearance of a full moon with a dark spot. During the vision, Christ showed her that the moon represented the Church at that time, and the black spot symbolized the fact that a great feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament was missing from the liturgical calendar.
She confessed this vision to Bishop Robert de Thorete, then Bishop of Liège, and to Jacques Pantaléon, who later became Pope Urban IV. Bishop Robert decided to convene a synod in 1246 that authorized the celebration of a feast dedicated to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament – Corpus Christi – to be celebrated in the diocese the following year.
The Miracle of Bolsena
A few years later, Father Pietro da Praga had become lukewarm in his faith and began to doubt the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. One day in 1263, while celebrating Mass in the Church of Saint Christina in Bolsena, the precious Blood of Our Lord flowed from the Host at the moment of the breaking of the bread, covering the altar, the corporal, and the floor.
Pope Urban IV, who was residing in Orvieto at the time, ordered that the precious cloth, covered with the precious Blood, be brought to the Church of Saint Mary in Orvieto, where it is still venerated today. In 1264, he published the Bull “Transiturus de hoc mundo“, in which he ordered the annual celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in the universal Church.
At the Last Supper, Jesus selflessly gave Himself for us. Just as a good friend wants to continue being present when they must leave, so does Jesus. He left us His own body and blood as a remembrance of Himself.
The Eucharist is the most precious gift He has left us. His Living Body calls us to imitate this self-giving love in our lives and to be there for others. Just as He gave us the Eucharist to remain present in our lives, we too are called to be present for others. Moreover, the Eucharist reminds us of our unity as the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of the Church, and we are His body. When we receive communion, we all form a union of brothers and sisters who long to live as Christ did.
I invite you to approach the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, aware of its incredible gift. As we carry His presence within us, let us reflect Christ’s love and mercy to all we encounter. May we always treasure and seek to understand the mystery of the Holy Eucharist throughout our lives.
Would you like to celebrate Corpus Christi with more fervor? With the Catholic Mass Times app, you can find nearby churches where you can adore Him in the Eucharist, participate in the Holy Mass, and renew your faith in His real presence. It will surely help you! Download it now.
What is Corpus Christi?
It is a solemn feast of the Church that celebrates the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. It is not just a symbol, but Christ Himself who gives Himself to us. It invites us to adore, give thanks, and deepen our understanding of this mystery of love.
When is Corpus Christi celebrated?
Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday following the Sunday of the Holy Trinity, that is, 60 days after Easter. In countries where it is not a holy day of obligation, it is moved to the following Sunday to facilitate the participation of the faithful.
Why Is Corpus Christi Celebrated?
It is celebrated to honor the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It originated from two events: the vision of Saint Juliana, which revealed the lack of a feast dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, and the Miracle of Bolsena, where Blood flowed from a consecrated host.
How to Explain Corpus Christi to Children?
We can tell them that Jesus loved us so much that He wanted to stay with us forever. In every Mass, He becomes present in a small piece of bread. Corpus Christi is the feast where we celebrate this gift, giving thanks that Jesus is alive and accompanies us from the altar.
