CORPUS
CHRISTI
"And as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have life
everlasting." John 3:14
"And I, if I be
lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself." John 12:32
This feast is celebrated in June, the first
Sunday after the feast of the Trinity to solemnly commemorate the institution
of the Holy Eucharist.
The full name of this feast is Corpus et Sanguis
Christi or The Body and Blood of Christ. The feast of the Blessed Sacrament was
established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege at the suggestion of
St. Juliana of Mont Carvillon. It was extended to the universal Church by Pope
Urban in 1264. The office composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and customary
procession was approved by Popes Martin V and Eugene IV.
The feast of Corpus Christi is one time
when our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is exposed not just to faithful
Catholics but to all the world. This is a time when Catholics can show their
love for Christ in the Real Presence by honoring Him in a very public way. It
is also a wonderful way in which we can show our love for our neighbors by
bringing Our Lord and Savior closer to them.
WORLD
DAY OF PRAYER FOR PRIESTS – JUNE 12
Coinciding with the Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholics worldwide are urged to pray for priests today.
This day was established by Pope John Paul II in 2002 with the objective of
having all Catholic faithful join in prayer for the sanctification of priests.
The day is celebrated with The Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests.