PART 3: Antichrists revealed by Jesus Christ – Deceptions of the antichrists

Find the date for Corpus Christi 2014 in the multifaith calendar
Corpus Christi in 2014 fell on Thursday, June 19.

Introduction

The festival of Corpus Christi celebrates the Eucharist as the body of Christ. The name Corpus Christi is Latin for “the body of Christ.”

This jubilant festival is celebrated by Roman Catholics and other Christians to proclaim the truth of the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the actual body of Christ during Mass.

In some countries, Catholic churches still celebrate the festival not only with a Mass but also with a procession. The consecrated wafer is carried through the streets as a public statement that the sacrifice of Christ was for the salvation of the whole world.

Corpus Christi usually falls between late May and mid-June, on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter). In some countries, the celebration is moved to the following Sunday.

In the Church of England, the feast is also observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday and known as the Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion.

Christians already mark the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. But because that day falls during Holy Week—a solemn time—it was considered appropriate to have a separate, more celebratory feast for the Eucharist.

The Celebration

The central event of Corpus Christi is a triumphant liturgical procession. The consecrated host (the wafer) is carried out of the church so the faithful can publicly express their worship and belief in the Blessed Sacrament.

The host is displayed in a monstrance and protected by a canopy as it moves through the streets, often either to another church or back to the one where the Mass was held.

Since the host represents the real presence of Christ, it is treated with the same reverence and ceremony as Christ in human form would be.

The procession is often organized to show a heavenly hierarchy, with the sacred host followed by various church groups and banners of patron saints.

In the days leading up to the festival, churches may hold smaller ceremonies such as the Adoration of the Sacrament or services that explore the Eucharistic meaning of parish life.

This tradition has faded in some countries like the UK, where processions declined after the Second Vatican Council in the 1970s. However, efforts have been made to revive the tradition in certain towns and villages.

During his papacy, Pope John Paul II led an annual Corpus Christi procession from St. Peter’s Square into the streets of Rome. His example has inspired many Catholics to encourage processions globally.

The Liturgy

Corpus Christi is marked by a service originally composed by Thomas Aquinas. It includes five hymns, one of which is Panis Angelicus (part of the longer hymn Sacris Solemniis, meaning “At this our solemn feast”).

History

The festival was inspired by St. Juliana of Liège (1193–1258), a Belgian nun. She repeatedly dreamed of a full moon with a dark spot, which Christ revealed in a vision to represent the Church calendar’s lack of a feast honoring the Eucharist.

Her local bishop agreed and introduced the festival in his region in 1246.

In 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted Corpus Christi across the entire Church. Pope Clement V made it an obligatory feast in 1311 at the Council of Vienne. England began observing it in 1318.

By 1551, the Council of Trent described the festival as a “triumph over heresy”—an affirmation of the belief in transubstantiation against those who denied it.

From the Middle Ages on, special Corpus Christi plays were also performed to celebrate the day.

Corpus Christi in Spain

In Spain, the festival carried added significance. It was attended by royalty—kings, queens, and nobles—symbolizing the union of sacred and secular power.

Carolyn Dean argues that Spain’s Corpus Christi celebrations also served to reenact its colonial victories.

Geography

The festival holds particular importance in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. In Seville, it was known as “the Thursday that shines brighter than the sun.”

In these regions, the celebration is large and dramatic. The host may be carried on a cart like a returning military hero, passing under arches, through music, dancing, and fireworks.

Related Traditions: Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is observed the Thursday before Easter to commemorate the Last Supper. The name comes from the Latin Mandatum novum do vobis (“A new commandment I give to you”; John 13:34).

In the early Church, it included general communion and the bishop’s consecration of holy oils for use in baptisms. Today, Roman Catholic services include the washing of feet and the consecration of hosts for Good Friday, when no Mass is held.

The Eastern Orthodox Church also performs foot washing and oil blessings.

In England, the monarch still distributes alms to the poor in a Maundy ceremony, a tradition that evolved from washing the feet of the poor.

Below the Pope crowning the image of Mary and made her queen of heaven

Palm Sunday — or is it Passion Sunday? — marks the beginning of Holy Week.

This day commemorates not one but two very significant events in the life of Christ. Here are 9 things you need to know.

What is this day called?

The day is called both “Palm Sunday” and “Passion Sunday.” The Bible does not specify that it should be used as a feast or celebration.

• The name “Palm Sunday” comes from Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the crowd waved palm branches (John 12:13).

• The name “Passion Sunday” refers to the reading of the Passion narrative on this day. This reading wouldn’t normally happen on a Sunday because the following Sunday is about the Resurrection.