Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi, is a celebration of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. On this day, we recall the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.   In the United States, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. 

While the Last Supper is also commemorated on Holy Thursday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ focuses solely on the gift of the Eucharist. The mood is also more joyous than that felt on Holy Thursday, the day before Christ's passion and death.

The feast is often marked by eucharistic processions, during which the Blessed Sacrament is carried in a monstrance through the church and into the streets. Many also spend time in Eucharistic Adoration on the solemnity.  As a child I recall participating in the Corpus Christi procession in my parish.  We processed from our parish Church throughout the neighborhood behind our pastor who held the monstrance.  I recall that it was an honor to be part of the procession.  As the procession went through the streets many people joined and followed along.  Last year amidst the Covid pandemic one parish in the Bronx did not want to disappoint its parishioners.  The Corpus Christi took on a new look as the pastor stood in the back of a pickup truck and was driven through the neighborhood.  Parishioners stood on their porches and bowed and waved as the truck drove past.

However, you mark this day let us recall the gift of the Eucharist.  May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the gift we received.