What is Corpus Christi?
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, honors Jesus Christ, Really, Truly, and Substantially Present in the Holy Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.
This Real Presence takes place through what the Church calls transubstantiation, the “change of substance.” At the Consecration of the Mass, when the priest speaks the words of Christ — “This is My Body” and “This is the chalice of My Blood” — the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.
The feast began in the thirteenth century and was extended to the universal Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. Traditionally celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, it is often celebrated on the following Sunday in many places, including the United States.
Corpus Christi calls us to reflect on two beautiful manifestations of the Body of Christ: the Holy Eucharist and the Church. First and foremost, this feast directs our hearts to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life. At every Mass, we encounter Christ Himself, truly present and lovingly offered for us.
Second, this feast reminds us that the Church is also called the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head, and we are His members. This image teaches us both the unity and the diversity of the Church, where each person has a place and a mission in communion with Christ and one another.
The Feast of Corpus Christi is often celebrated with Eucharistic processions, which are a public sign of faith, reverence, and adoration. As we celebrated Corpus Christi this past Sunday, St. Joseph Parish held Eucharistic processions after each Mass. Knights from Council 16255 carried the canopy and reverently accompanied Father and the Holy Eucharist in procession.
Our worship of Jesus in His Body and Blood calls us to offer God our Father a pledge of undivided love and to give ourselves generously in service to others.
Vivat Jesus!