Corpus Christi

A festival that has been celebrated by many Christians in honor of the Eucharist since 1246. It is a movable feast that is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday or on the Sunday after Holy Trinity. This event commemorates the Last Supper on the day before Jesus’ crucifixion, as described in the Bible. It is the solemn commemoration of the institution of that sacrament and the Church’s official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by instituting the Holy Eucharist gave to the Church her greatest treasure. Maundy Thursday marks the anniversary of the institution, but the commemoration of the Lord’s passion that very night suppresses the rejoicing proper to the occasion. Today’s observance, therefore, accents the joyous aspect of Maundy Thursday.