June 19: Solemnity of Corpus Christi

"Although the Eucharist is solemnly celebrated every day, we deem it fitting that, at least once a year, a more honored and solemn remembrance be observed. The other things we commemorate, we grasp with the spirit and the mind, but do not for that reason obtain their real presence. However, in this sacramental commemoration of Christ, even though under a different form, Jesus Christ is truly present among us in His own substance. Indeed, as He was about to ascend into heaven, He said: 'And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age (Mt 28:20)."

Thus wrote Pope Urban IV regarding the Bull Transiturus de hoc mundo of August 11, 1264, by which he instituted the Solemnity of Corpus Christi—also known as the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—as a feast of obligation for the universal Church to be celebrated on the Thursday following Pentecost.

What prompted Urban IV - born Jacques Pantaléon of Troyes - to establish the solemnity were, among other things, the visions of Saint Juliana of Cornillon, whom he had met during his ministry as archdeacon in Liège and the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena.

The first official approval of the celebration dates back to 1246 in Liège, when Bishop Robert of Thourotte, after initial hesitation, accepted Saint Juliana’s proposal and instituted the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in his diocese for the first time. Later, other bishops followed his example and established the feast in the territories under their pastoral care.

At that time, the Diocese of Liège was particularly devoted to the Eucharist. Even before Juliana, important theologians had already reflected deeply on the value of the Sacrament and there were also women’s communities fervently practicing Eucharistic communion and adoration.

In 1208, Juliana had a mystical vision, which was repeated several times during her moments of Eucharistic adoration. She saw a full and radiant moon with a dark stripe across it. God explained to her that the moon represented the Church, and the dark area symbolized the absence of a feast dedicated to the Eucharist. Juliana was asked to commit herself to the establishment of such a celebration, so that the faithful might adore the Sacrament, strengthen their faith, grow in virtue, and make reparation for offenses against the Blessed Sacrament.

For about twenty years, Juliana—who had entered the Augustinian monastery of Mont-Cornillon and was later elected prioress—kept the vision a secret. Eventually, she confided in two deeply devoted women: Blessed Eva, who lived as a hermit, and Isabella, who had joined her at the Mont-Cornillon monastery. Together, the three women formed a kind of “spiritual alliance,” united by a shared desire to honor and glorify the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1263, the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena occurred. A priest from Bohemia, while celebrating Mass in the town of Bolsena near Viterbo, began to doubt whether the consecrated host was truly the Body of Christ. However, at the moment of consecration and breaking of the host, drops of blood flowed from it, staining both the corporal and the altar.

This event was immediately seen as a sign confirming the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Pope Urban IV, who was informed of the miracle shortly before the official institution of the solemnity on June 19, 1264, presided over a solemn procession in Orvieto. Cardinals, bishops, and a large crowd of faithful participated. The blood-stained corporal was carried in procession through the streets of the city. Since then, every year on the Sunday following Corpus Christi, this procession is repeated in Orvieto during which the reliquary containing the corporal is carried.