Corpus Christi Feast: The History and Heart Behind It

In a quiet convent in Belgium, long ago, a young woman named Juliana often knelt in prayer. She wasn’t famous or powerful. But she carried something in her heart that would one day spread across the world a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist.

She believed something simple but strong: that the Host wasn’t just bread. It was Jesus Himself alive, present, and close.

And she wondered why there was no special feast to honor that miracle.

The Girl Behind the Feast: Who Was Juliana of Liège?

Juliana lived in the 1200s. She lost her parents young and grew up in a convent. There, she developed a quiet but strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. While others prayed out loud, she often prayed in silence, simply being with Jesus in the Eucharist.

One night, she had a vision. She saw a full moon with a dark spot on it. In time, she understood what it meant: the Church had many feasts, but something was missing. There was no day set aside just to honor Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.

That absence stayed with her. So she started to speak not with arguments, but with love.

A Missing Feast, A Quiet Mission

Juliana shared her vision with sisters in her convent. Then with priests. Some listened. Some didn’t. But she kept going. Her message was gentle but clear: Jesus comes to us every day in the Eucharist. Shouldn’t we celebrate that, too?

Her quiet faith reached hearts, including one that would make a difference.

From Hidden Vision to Worldwide Feast

Years later, a priest named Jacques Pantaléon heard Juliana’s story. He believed her. And when he became Pope Urban IV, he remembered her words.

In 1264, he declared a new feast for the whole Church: Corpus Christi, Latin for “Body of Christ.” It was the first time a feast came from a laywoman’s vision, not just from the Church’s leaders.

Juliana didn’t live to see it spread, but her faith started something beautiful.

Why Corpus Christi Matters

Corpus Christi isn’t just about tradition or history. It’s about love, God’s love, right here and now.

Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist spiritually and physically. That belief shapes how we worship. We kneel. We sing. We build beautiful tabernacles. We carry the Host through the streets with reverence and joy.

Because the Eucharist isn’t a symbol. It’s Jesus.

How We Celebrate Today

On Corpus Christi, many churches hold processions. A priest carries the Eucharist in a special holder called a monstrance, under a canopy. People walk behind, singing, praying, and even scattering flower petals along the path.

It’s a public way to say: Jesus is here.

Even if you’ve never joined a procession, you’re welcome. You don’t need to understand everything. Just come with an open heart.

You can also celebrate by spending time in Adoration, going to Mass with quiet focus, or lighting a candle and offering a prayer

When Is Corpus Christi 2025?

In 2025, Corpus Christi falls on Thursday, June 19, but many churches will celebrate on Sunday, June 22, so more people can take part.

A Final Thought

Corpus Christi is more than just a Church event. It’s a reminder: Jesus is with us, truly, right now.

He came in a manger. He will come again in glory.
But today, He comes in the Eucharist quietly, humbly, in love.

This year, maybe it’s your turn to step forward.
To kneel.
To look.
To believe.

If this reflection meant something to you, please feel free to like, share, or leave a comment below. We’d be honored to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much!

Soli Deo Gloria

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