Each year after Pentecost, Catholics around the world celebrate Corpus Christi—a solemn and joyful feast honoring the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. But with several titles and dates floating around, it’s natural to have questions. Is it celebrated on Thursday or Sunday? Is it called Corpus Christi or the Feast of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ? Let’s walk through what this feast is, when it happens, and why it’s so important.
Q: What Is the Feast of Corpus Christi?
This feast, Latin for “Body of Christ,” is a Catholic holy day dedicated to the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith. It celebrates the doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated Host and Chalice: that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine.
Though we remember the Eucharist every time we go to Mass, Corpus Christi is a special day set aside to publicly honor and adore Christ in the Eucharist, often with Eucharistic processions, Benediction, and extra time for adoration.
Q: When Is the Feast of Corpus Christi?
Is Corpus Christi on a Thursday or Sunday?
Traditionally, this feast is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which places it 60 days after Easter. This date aligns with Holy Thursday, the day Jesus instituted the Eucharist. However, in many dioceses (especially in the United States and other countries where Thursday isn’t a holy day of obligation), the feast is transferred to the following Sunday to allow greater participation.
When Is the Feast of Corpus Christi This Year?
In 2025, this feast falls on Thursday, June 19. In places where the feast is moved to Sunday, it will be celebrated on Sunday, June 22.
Q: Is There a Sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi?
Yes! The Church includes a special hymn called the “Lauda Sion” Sequence, written by St. Thomas Aquinas, which is chanted or read before the Gospel at Mass on this feast. It’s a powerful meditation on the mystery of the Eucharist and beautifully captures the theology of Christ’s real presence.
Q: What Is the Correct Title – “Corpus Christi” or “Feast of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ”?
Both titles refer to the same celebration, but they’re used in different contexts:
- “Corpus Christi” is the traditional Latin title, still commonly used worldwide.
- “The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ” is the full English name used in the Roman Missal.
Either is correct—Corpus Christi is simply the shorter, more familiar form.
Q: What Is the Purpose of the Feast of Corpus Christi?
The purpose of this feast is to increase love and reverence for Jesus in the Eucharist, and to give public witness to the belief that He is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a time for the Church to “go out into the streets,” quite literally in many places, with processions, prayers, and songs of praise.
Q: Why Does This Feast Matter?
In an age when belief in the Real Presence is declining—even among Catholics—this feast invites us back to the heart of our faith. It reminds us that God is not distant—He’s present in the tabernacle of every Catholic church and in every consecrated Host we receive. Corpus Christi is not just about what we believe, but who we believe in.
FAQ In Summary
- What is Corpus Christi? A Catholic feast celebrating Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.
- When is it? In 2025, it’s on Thursday, June 19 (or Sunday, June 22, in most dioceses).
- Is there a sequence? Yes, the beautiful “Lauda Sion” composed by St. Thomas Aquinas.
- Why is it important? It deepens our love for the Eucharist and invites the world to encounter Christ.
Additional Resources
Learn more about this feast from EWTN here.
Learn more about the Eucharist and mass in these articles on our blog:
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