The Latin words “Corpus Christi” translate as “Body of Christ.” The feast of Corpus Christi is a day on which Catholics celebrate their faith before the entire world. The Bread consecrated at Mass becomes the body of Jesus Christ, Really, Truly and Substantially Present and this is the focus of the feast day. The tradition of having a procession on the feast of Corpus Christi began in the 14th Century. In it, the Eucharist is exposed for adoration in a Monstrance, whose clear glass permits the viewing of the Sacred Host. Walking before the Eucharist are the girls who recently received their first Eucharist, in their communion dresses, with baskets of petals which they throw in the path of the priest with the Blessed Sacrament. The priest is next, holding the monstrance high for everyone to see. He is protected by a canopy which is carried by canopy bearers. He is followed by members of the public who share the Catholic faith and they usually sing and pray to honour Christ present in the Eucharist. Once the procession route is complete, the procession participants attend a final blessing or Benediction which traditionally takes place in a church.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland.
