The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (lat. Corpus Christi — Body of Christ) is one of the main and most spectacular events in the Catholic calendar. On this day, believers remember the institution of the sacrament of the Eucharist — the communion when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. However, unlike the Last Supper (which is commemorated on Great Thursday against the backdrop of the Passion events), Corpus Christi is a joyful, festive celebration. It celebrates the real presence of Christ in the consecrated host. History of the Origin of the Festival During the Middle Ages, among the faithful, there were doubts: do bread and wine cease to be just bread and wine after the words of the priest? In 1263, a miracle occurred in the Italian city of Bolsena: during Mass, blood came out of the host, wetting the corporal (a cloth). Pope Urban IV, who was then an archdeacon, established the festival in 1264. In 1317, Pope John XXII extended it to the entire Church. Since then, Corpus Christi has been celebrated on the first Thursday after Pentecost (the Feast of the Holy Trinity). In some countries, it has been moved to the nearest Sunday so that more people can participate. Date of the Festival in 2026 Easter in 2026 is on April 12. Pentecost (Whitsun) is on May 31. Therefore, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ falls on Thursday, June 4, 2026 (the first Thursday after Pentecost). In countries where it has been moved to Sunday, it will be celebrated on June 7. In some regions (such as Poland, Lithuania, Austria, some areas of Germany), it is an official holiday. Essence and Theological Significance Catholics believe that in the sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is present really, substantially, not just symbolically. The Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the Saviour are hidden under the appearances of bread and wine. The Feast of Corpus Christi emphasizes this mystery and calls believers to reverent adoration of the Holy Gifts. It is n ... Read more