The Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for the “body of Christ”), also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, is a Christian liturgical solemnity that celebrates the real presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist, the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the body of Christ during
Mass. The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated in the Catholic, Western Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican churches worldwide, on the Thursday or Sunday after Trinity Sunday.
To mark this occasion, there is often a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, generally displayed in a monstrance at the end of Mass. The procession, in Rome, is normally presided over by the Pope where it begins at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, passes to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and is followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. This public profession of faith and
worship acknowledges the sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of the world. Many Christians celebrate this day by making flower wreaths that are hung on doors and windows and/or erected in gardens and fields.
During the Reformation, many Protestant churches denied the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, seeing it rather as a spiritual presence or as a symbol of Christ. Some Anglican churches observe Corpus Christi under a different name, “Thanksgiving for Holy Communion”. As Catholics, we treat the wafer, the real presence of Christ, with reverence, ceremony and adoration, just as we would
Christ.
In 1 Cor 11:23-26, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the story enacted at the Lord’s Table as a significant tradition that he “received from the Lord” (vs 23) and that would be passed on to future generations. The Corinthians, believing that Christ died for their sins, partake of the bread and the cup in this meal together. The words of Jesus “Do this in remembrance of me” are a reminder to be
faithful and obedient to God. We too are called to be obedient and faithful servants and we affirm and deepen our faith is when taking part in the Eucharist and accepting the body of Christ, Corpus Christi.
