BODY OF CHRIST 1

BODY OF CHRIST

Corpus Christi in Latin (Body of Christ) is a religious solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ celebrated in all the Catholic countries of the world as it was incorporated into the liturgical calendar from the Middle Ages during the 13th century in Europe by Pope Urban IV. This festivity does not have an exact date with respect to the Gregorian calendar; It takes place 60 days after the beginning of the Catholic Easter that occurs with the resurrection of Christ, and 8 days after the celebration of Pentecost.

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The celebration of Corpus Christi is made in reference to the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles where he shares with them his body, represented in the bread, and his blood represented in the wine. It also symbolizes the sacrifice made by Jesus with his passion and death on the cross to atone for the sins of all mankind.

communion liturgy

The process by which the Body and Blood of Christ become bread and wine is known as transubstantiation . It is the way in which the faithful believers receive the Body of Christ through a host, which comes from unleavened unleavened flour sanctified through the Eucharist as an offering and preserved in the Blessed Sacrament, while its blood is drunk through a chalice containing consecrated wine.

Corpus Christi celebration around the world

In countries of the northern hemisphere, it is commemorated on the Thursday following the ninth Sunday after the first full moon of spring. Other countries move the celebration to the following Sunday according to the work calendar. In Spain, in addition to the liturgical celebrations, very colorful parades are carried out, accompanied by marching bands, floral carpets, fireworks and floats. In some towns it ends with a battle of flowers and a bullfight.

In Latin America, in several countries processions are held through the main streets of cities and towns where the Blessed Sacrament is displayed and is accompanied by musical bands and sumptuous floats. In several localities, the festivities usually last up to 3 days, with religious celebrations taking place and at the same time carnivals, concerts and musical contests.

In Mexico, the day of Corpus Christi is known as the Day of the Mules given the belief that a mule kneels when passing a procession of the Holy Sacrament; I love her, upon witnessing this act, he decides to dedicate himself completely to the priestly life.

While in Venezuela the Festivity of the Dancing Devils of the Yaré is commemorated , where according to the popular story, the demons surrender before the triumphant passage of the Blessed Sacrament that carries within it the Body and Blood of Jesus, which represents the victory of good over evil.

Días Festivos en el Mundo