How Many Days Until Corpus Christi?

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Corpus Christi 2025 is on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
(Often observed on Sunday, Sunday, June 22)

About Corpus Christi

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Latin: *Sollemnitas Sanctissimi Corporis et Sanguinis Christi*), commonly known as Corpus Christi, is a liturgical solemnity celebrating the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It emphasizes the joy of the institution of the Eucharist, which was first commemorated on Holy Thursday but is overshadowed by the solemnity of Passion Week.

Doctrine: The Real Presence in the Eucharist

Corpus Christi celebrates the central Catholic belief (shared by Orthodox and some other Christians) that during the Mass, the bread and wine consecrated by the priest become, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the actual Body and Blood of Christ, while retaining the appearances (species) of bread and wine. This change is called transubstantiation.

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Transubstantiation

The substance of bread and wine changes entirely into the substance of Christ's Body and Blood, while the accidents (appearance, taste, texture) remain.

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Institution at Last Supper

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, commanding his apostles, "Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19).

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Source and Summit

The Eucharist is considered the "source and summit of the Christian life," the most profound way Christ is present to his Church.

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Spiritual Nourishment

Receiving the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is believed to unite the believer more closely with Christ, forgive venial sins, and provide spiritual strength.

History of the Feast

The feast originated in the 13th century:

St. Juliana of Liège: Inspired by visions she received from a young age, St. Juliana advocated for a special feast day dedicated solely to the Eucharist, separate from Holy Thursday.
Bishop Robert de Thorete: The Bishop of Liège instituted the feast for his diocese in 1246.
Miracle of Bolsena (c. 1263): A Bohemian priest doubting the Real Presence allegedly witnessed the Host bleed during Mass in Bolsena, Italy. This event strengthened calls for the feast.
Pope Urban IV: Influenced by St. Juliana and the Miracle of Bolsena, Pope Urban IV instituted the Solemnity of Corpus Christi for the entire Latin Church in 1264 with the papal bull *Transiturus de hoc mundo*.
St. Thomas Aquinas: Commissioned by Pope Urban IV, Aquinas composed liturgical texts for the feast, including famous hymns like *Pange Lingua* (whose last two stanzas form the *Tantum Ergo*) and *Lauda Sion*.

How Corpus Christi is Observed

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Eucharistic Processions

A key feature in many Catholic countries. The consecrated Host, displayed in a monstrance, is carried in procession through the streets, often with prayers, hymns, and Benediction at outdoor altars.

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Eucharistic Adoration

Extended periods of prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance are common.

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Liturgical Color: White or Gold

Symbolizing joy, glory, purity, and the divine nature of Christ present in the Eucharist.

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Special Hymns and Prayers

Liturgies prominently feature hymns composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and prayers focusing on the gift of the Eucharist.

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Date and Observance

Traditionally celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. In many places, the observance (including processions) is transferred to the following Sunday for pastoral reasons.

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Decorations

Churches are often elaborately decorated, and procession routes may be adorned with flowers, banners, and carpets of petals.

Related Countdowns

⚜️Trinity Sunday 🌿Holy Thursday 🌿Ordinary Time 🔥Pentecost