Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a feast day that celebrates the belief and the tradition of the transubstantiation of Christ’s body and blood into bread and wine in the Eucharist Sacrament. This solemnity is celebrated in many different countries around the world and is observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or about two months after Easter.
History
Corpus Christi was first proposed by a Premonstratensian canoness named Juliana of Liège, who sought a way to revere the Blessed Sacrament outside of Lent. She was further motivated to action when she observed a dark spot on the moon while pondering the idea and interpreted that as a sign signifying the absence of such a solemnity.
She then had a vision of Christ in 1208, which increased her fervor. Over the next two decades, she continued to have these visions until she confided them to her confessor, who then relayed the vision to the bishop.
Bishop Robert eventually convened a synod in 1246, where he decreed that the celebration should begin the following year. It was celebrated for the first time the following year at St. Martin in Liège.
Customs And Celebrations
There are many different customs associated with this Feast Day, and some of them are quite unique. Most of the celebrations held around the world feature some sort of parade or pageant on that day, the details of which vary according to locality.
For instance, in many parts of Central Europe, large bouquets of flowers and wreaths are placed at homes and in fields. In the Hill Neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, a blessing of the neighborhood often occurs on this day.
In other parts of the world, there are colorful pageants where participants dress up as figures from the Bible. Another common custom is the naming of rivers and lakes in honor of the day. For example, the river at the mission in Sacramento, California, was named after the Eucharist.
Conclusion
The rite of Corpus Christi not only honors the death and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is also an important feast day that allows all participants to stand in awe of the power of the Eucharist and the belief in the resurrection of Christ.
