June 7: Feast of Corpus Christi

History

In 1246, a humble religious sister in Belgium - Saint Juliana of Mont Carillon - received inspiration form the Lord to start a celebration of the Blessed Sacrament. She convinced Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege, and he started the Feast of Corpus Christi on the first Sunday after the feast of the Trinity. He knew that this feast would help renew the faith of Christians, and improve their attitude about the Blessed Sacrament. Ever since, Catholics around the world have celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with Eucharistic Processions held in streets and neighborhoods, which has led to many people converting to the Catholic faith. 

Activity

A Corpus Christi procession in Spain
Photo by Ramon F Velasquez

Find a Corpus Christi procession in your area and bring your whole family. (If you've never been in one before, don't worry - it's easy to follow along with the hymns and prayers.) It's traditional for the people in the procession to carry flowers and for children who have made their First Holy Communion recently to wear their sacramental clothing. Then enjoy a special meal with your family. 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
The Real Presence

Last year, we learned about St. Willibald and watched short videos about the Holy Land.