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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Corpus Christi highlights Real Presence
Published: June 12, 2017
The Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, honors the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which is the "source and summit of the Christian life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324) Christ is present in many ways in his Church, but his presence in the Eucharist is unique. In the Eucharist, Jesus is present in body, blood, soul and divinity.
It is called the "real presence" because Jesus is truly present in the "fullest sense." He "makes himself wholly and entirely present" under the appearance of bread and wine. This raises "the Eucharist above all the sacraments as 'the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.'" (catechism, nos. 1373-74)
To learn more, visit the FAQ about the Real Presence from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Celebrating this feast day may include holy hours, processions of the Eucharist in and around the church or through city streets. Many parishes also have eucharistic adoration with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament or Litany of the Most Precious Blood. Contact a parish near you to learn its plans to celebrate this feast day.
