Corpus Christi – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

By celebrating Corpus Christi, we strive to become more intensely aware of the greatness of God's gift to man through Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, the memorial of which is the Holy Eucharist. In every Holy Mass, we proclaim the words: "We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection, until you come again."

We honor the Most Holy Body of Christ and adore Him, who under the appearances of bread never ceases to be broken and offered for the salvation of all people. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus teaches us to live a life of love that involves our entire being: a readiness to love our neighbor by following the example of the love and self-giving of Jesus Christ. He gave Himself up for us and for our salvation, and through the Eucharist, He nourishes, strengthens, and purifies our love.

Saint Paul says to the community in Corinth, and to all of us: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Cor 11:26) He directs our gaze away from the peripheral and toward what is essential: that, drawing inspiration from Jesus' self-giving, we live as brothers and sisters who form the Church – the mystical Body of Christ.

~ a reflection by Assistant Professor Krunoslav Novak, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Studies