What is Corpus Christi Sunday?

From The Passion of the Christ

Origin of Solemnity

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ also known as the Corpus Christi Sunday. The Solemnity originated in the 13th century and began in the diocese of Liege. It was instituted for the whole Church in 1264 by Pope Urban IV . "The meaning of this feast is the consideration of and devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The centre of the feast was to be, as Pope Urban IV described it, a popular devotion reflected in hymns and joy" (In Conversation with God, Vol. 6, p. 262). This celebration has traditionally included Eucharistic Procession and Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Today, Pope Francis included one other component – a worldwide Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

The Real Presence

The Solemnity presupposes a knowledge and understanding of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The Church teaches that Christ is really, truly, wholly and substantially present in the Eucharist (CCC, 1374). For more on the real presence watch Father Robert Barron's explanation below.