All about Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a special celebration in Christianity that honors the belief that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist ceremony become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. During this celebration, Christians come together to remember and give thanks for the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before he was crucified.

In the story of Corpus Christi, Jesus gathered with his disciples for a meal where he blessed the bread and wine, telling them that they were his body and blood. He asked his followers to remember him by sharing the bread and wine in remembrance of him. This act symbolizes the deep connection between Jesus and his followers, showing how Jesus continues to be present in their lives through the Eucharist.

Christians celebrate Corpus Christi by participating in processions, where they carry the Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated bread) in a special container called a monstrance. They sing hymns, offer prayers, and decorate the streets with flowers and colorful decorations to honor the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Overall, Corpus Christi is a joyful celebration that reminds Christians of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the special connection they share with him through the Eucharist.

  1. Who is honored during the celebration of Corpus Christi?
  2. What does the bread and wine symbolize in the Eucharist ceremony?
  3. How do Christians celebrate Corpus Christi?
  4. Explain the significance of the processions in the celebration of Corpus Christi.
  5. Why is Corpus Christi considered a joyful celebration for Christians?

Symbols and Traditions

Corpus Christi is a special celebration in Christianity that honors the belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine during the Eucharist. This celebration is held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.

During Corpus Christi, Christians participate in a procession where a priest carries a consecrated host (a piece of bread believed to represent the body of Christ) in a special container called a monstrance. People follow the priest through the streets, singing hymns and saying prayers to show their love and respect for Jesus.

One important symbol of Corpus Christi is the wheat, which represents the bread that becomes the body of Jesus during the Eucharist. Another symbol is the grapes, which represent the wine that becomes the blood of Jesus. These symbols remind Christians of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples before his crucifixion.

By participating in the Corpus Christi celebration, Christians show their belief in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and their gratitude for the sacrifice he made for them. It is a time to come together as a community and celebrate their faith in a special and meaningful way.

  1. What is the significance of Corpus Christi in Christianity?
  2. Describe the procession that takes place during Corpus Christi.
  3. Explain the symbols of wheat and grapes in relation to Corpus Christi.
  4. How does participating in the Corpus Christi celebration demonstrate beliefs and gratitude?
  5. Discuss the importance of community in celebrating faith during Corpus Christi.

My Family and Corpus Christi

Hi, I'm Liam and I'm 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you about how my family celebrates Corpus Christi. In Ireland, Corpus Christi is a special celebration in Christianity that honors the belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine during the Eucharist. This celebration is held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.

  1. During Corpus Christi, Christians participate in a procession where a priest carries a consecrated host (a piece of bread believed to represent the body of Christ) in a special container called a monstrance.
  2. People follow the priest through the streets, singing hymns and saying prayers to show their love and respect for Jesus.
  3. One important symbol of Corpus Christi is the wheat, which represents the bread that becomes the body of Jesus during the Eucharist.
  4. Another symbol is the grapes, which represent the wine that becomes the blood of Jesus. These symbols remind Christians of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples before his crucifixion.
  5. By participating in the Corpus Christi celebration, Christians show their belief in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and their gratitude for the sacrifice he made for them. It is a time to come together as a community and celebrate their faith in a special and meaningful way.

Comparing Corpus Christi to another Festival

After learning all about Corpus Christi, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Corpus Christiand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Corpus Christi
A full set of teaching plans for Corpus Christiteaching.