Corpus Christi processions and understanding this Catholic feast

Traditional procession through the streets

Procession in Munich, Germany

In 'Brixen im Thale,' Austria

On Lake Hallstatt, Austria

In the Swiss city of Appenzell

In London

Procession in Poland

In Valencia, Spain

    Corpus Christi processions begin this coming weekend while the earth tilts toward its longest day and shortest mid summer night. In various parts of the Catholic world, participants proclaim their faith in public. Depending on where you live, these processions can be somber or as colorful as the one in Valencia, Spain (my favorite)! These images show how proud these Catholics are of their faith and traditions. But what does it all mean?  
   The day starts off in church and moves out in the public arena with bands and singing. Today's celebration honors the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. The "host" is held in a "monstrance" which looks like a sun burst with a glass center as seen in some images above. Since Mediaeval times, Corpus Christi was meant to be a public veneration of the Eucharist and a reminder what a wonderful treasure Jesus left to us on the Last Supper with his disciples. St. Thomas Aquinas used highly descriptive words to describe it all: "O holy banquet in which Christ himself is offered for us. We recall the memory of his passion and death on the cross, our souls are replete with grace and are given the foretaste of the future glory to be revealed in us." 
   For Catholics, this public affirmation is a reminder that the Eucharist is the "source and summit of all Christian life." The believers wish to affirm that they are doing God's will in their daily lives. The rituals and different traditions are remarkable for their diversity in various countries, sometimes taking on a "carnival spirit" in summer time. No matter where you go or experience such a pledge, a display of affection for their "bread of the angels" one cannot but be inspired that this belief of centuries continues to sustain so many in their human weaknesses and failures.

Corpus Christi in Spain