Surely you have heard of Corpus Christi because of the holidays, right? But do you know what the date represents? Translated as “Body of Christ”, this is a Christian celebration held annually on the Thursday following Holy Trinity Sunday. This year Corpus Domini takes place today, June 16th. The date represents a dedicated moment to remember that the Eucharist is a time of humility and welcome. With the bread and wine, the blessing of the Holy Spirit is invoked upon us to live intimacy with Jesus.
Learn more about Corpus Christi history and prayer
Originating from the city of Liège, Belgium, the date refers to God’s presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist, a gesture that represents the moment we enter into communion with God. The Eucharist symbolizes the Last Supper – known as the Holy Supper – made by Christ with the disciples. As reported in the Bible, at Christ’s request, the disciples ate bread and wine in memory of him. In the 12th century, the nun Juliana de Cornillon had repeated visions that indicated her to work so that there was a feast in which the faithful had the opportunity to adore the Eucharist, strengthening their faith and repairing the offenses to the Blessed Sacrament.
Even when he was a bishop, Pope Urban IV was aware of these visions and decided to extend them to the church. He wanted people to be able to honor Jesus, ask for forgiveness of sins and accept God in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Special moments
One of the most beautiful moments that marks the feast of Corpus Domini in Brazil is the Eucharistic procession, when the faithful decorate the streets with flowers and religious designs as if it were a long colored carpet. This tradition is a Portuguese heritage and the designs produced are symbols and suggestive scenes of the Catholic religion. Multicolored sand, sawdust, coffee grounds and ribbons are the commonly used materials.
This demonstration of faith indicates the path that will be followed by the priest and the Blessed Sacrament. The procession represents the trajectory of Jesus on his way to the Mount of Olives, where he spent the last few nights before being arrested and crucified.
Corpus Domini Prayer
«On the feast of his body and his blood, Lord, give us the certainty of your presence in the Eucharistic gifts! in which it is never understandable to celebrate the gesture that means sacrifice and gift of life, union with Christ and with our brothers and sisters and foment divisions, cultivate discord and maintain inequalities! not as mere spectators!
Source: Terra
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