Corpus Christi, Latin for “Body of Christ,” is a Christian feast devoted to the institution of the Eucharist. Catholics celebrate it as a solemnity, while some Anglican and Lutheran churches also observe it. The day especially remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, also called Communion or the Lord’s Supper.
What does Corpus Christi mean?
Corpus Christi means “Body of Christ” in Latin. Catholics also call it the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body of Christ, while some churches call it the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. The name refers to Christ’s presence in the Eucharistic bread and wine. In Catholic teaching, transubstantiation means that during the Eucharist the substance of bread and wine becomes Christ’s Body and Blood while their appearances remain. John 6:1–58, where Jesus calls himself the Bread of Life, is central to the feast. Anglican and Lutheran traditions also teach a real presence, though they explain it differently from Catholic transubstantiation.
When is Corpus Christi celebrated?
Corpus Christi falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday in the Roman Catholic calendar and in the liturgical calendars used by many Anglican and Lutheran churches. In the Roman Catholic Church it is a solemnity; when it falls on a weekday in the United States, it is normally a holy day of obligation. Since Trinity Sunday changes with the date of Easter, Corpus Christi also moves from year to year. It comes before Pentecost Sunday.
How do churches observe it?
At many Catholic parishes, the pattern is a Mass with special readings and hymns, followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, a service of prayer and blessing with the consecrated host. A minister carries the Blessed Sacrament, often displayed in a monstrance, through an outdoor procession and sets it on an altar for prayer. The sequence “Lauda Sion,” written by Thomas Aquinas for this feast, is often sung. Some parishes also add Eucharistic adoration, Scripture study, children’s activities, or a shared meal.
Anglican and Lutheran services often include Communion, Scripture, and Eucharistic hymns. Some congregations also arrange a procession, hold part of the service outdoors, or organize additional teaching and prayer events.
What should I expect if you attend?
Visitors are generally welcome at Catholic Masses, and no special dress is required beyond ordinary respect for the worship setting. A Catholic Mass usually includes greetings, Scripture readings, a homily, the Eucharistic Prayer, Communion, and a final blessing. At Corpus Christi, the procession may be the most distinctive part. Follow the congregation’s lead about when to stand or kneel, and ask an usher if you are unsure. Communion eligibility and reception customs differ among Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other churches, so ask beforehand if this matters to you. A first-time visitor’s guide can help with general etiquette.