History of Corpus Christi

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 Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi, begins universally this year on Thursday, June 3, and Catholics will once again gather as one body at Corpus Christi Cathedral. The Feast of Corpus Christi is a celebration of the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

St. Julianna of Cornillon lived in 13^th century Belgium From an early age, she had a deep devotion to the Eucharist. While living in the town of Liege Belgium, St. Juliana had a vision of the full moon darkened in one spot. She heard a heavenly voice state that the moon was the Church and the dark spot showed that there was a missing feast, that of a feast to honor Corpus Christi (The Blessed Sacrament). She reported the vision to the Arch deacon of Liege, Jacques Panteleon. In 1246 the Bishop of Liege establish the feast of the Blessed Sacrament and it was first celebrated June 5, 1249. The celebration remained local to this diocese. In 1263 near the town of Orvieto, Italy, a priest doubted the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. When next he celebrated Mass, at the moment of consecration, as the host was elevated, it began to bleed. Many witnessed this. The priest wrapped the bleeding Host in corporals and brought the Host and corporals to the Bishop at Orvieto. The Bishop consulted with Pope Urban IV, formerly Archdeacon Jacques Panteleon, to whom St. Juliana had confided her vision. The miracle was affirmed, and the Host and corporals remain in Orvieto for veneration to this day. In 1264 Pope Urban IV issued a papal bull establishing the feast of Corpus Christi for the universal Church. He commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the Office of the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours for the new feast.