Sunday 2 June 2024

Corpus Christi

Monstrance at St Francis in Bend, Oregon

Without any doubt, the greatest gift Jesus could have left us was Himself in the Eucharist. He also gave us His mother Mary as our Mother, just before He died on the cross, but a few hours earlier, he gave us His Body and His Blood, literally and figuratively, as our everlasting spiritual food. We are also honored to adore His presence every day. Not only in our own church, but in every church around the world, the Blessed Sacrament is present for Adoration, prayer and private time with the Lord. When people pray in His presence, miracles happen, as many people can tell you.  Today’s celebration of Corpus Christi further accentuates the respect and reverence we should all show to the Eucharist. Processions are held in various countries, a tradition started by St Juliana of Liege in the 12th century. At the same  time St. Thomas Aquinas was commissioned to write various Eucharistic hymns, such as Tantum Ergo, O Sacrum Convivium,  Lauda Sion Salvatorem and others. Processions are held world-wide with the participation of First Communion children, priests and  faithful. Streets are frequently carpeted with flowers and petals to honor the presence of Jesus walking in the Monstrance held by the presiding priest.

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