A central doctrine of Catholicism is the belief that the bread and wine consumed at Mass become truly Christ: his body, blood, soul, and divinity. While this truth is celebrated every Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ offers a heightened focus through liturgy and procession. The feast originated in the 13th century, inspired by the visions of St. Juliana of Belgium (1193-1258), who communicated her experiences to her bishop, later Pope Urban IV. In 1264, Pope Urban IV formally established the feast for the Latin Church, with the inaugural celebration at the Cathedral of Orvieto.
Memories Of Eucharistic Processions
I hold two treasured memories from this feast day. The first is participating in a Corpus Christi procession with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. After Mass at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, thousands of pilgrims walked together along the Via Merulana to St. Mary Major. I vividly recall the multitude journeying with Jesus as day turned to night, singing psalms, reciting prayers, and carrying candles. Immersed in this experience, I felt profound gratitude for the opportunity to be in Rome and for the privilege of knowing Jesus intimately within his Church.
My second memory is of the Eucharistic procession with the Benedictine monks of Mount Angel Abbey. Located in Saint Benedict, Oregon, adjacent to the town of Mount Angel, the Abbey sits atop a 485-foot-high butte overlooking the Willamette Valley, approximately 18 miles northeast of Salem and about an hour from Portland. Mount Angel Abbey is my spiritual home, where I made my oblation in 2023. The Eucharistic procession unfolded on the hilltop, led by the abbot and the monks. This was a more serene and contemplative encounter with our Lord, distinct from the bustle and grandeur of Rome’s city streets, yet it was the same glorious Christ we followed on pilgrimage.
Bringing Christ To The Streets
What does it mean to bring Christ into the streets? Both experiences reminded me that we are all on a pilgrimage with Jesus. Adoring him in the Sacrament is central to discipleship. As Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, stated, “It is not possible to love Christ without adoring him” (237). The adoration of Christ, whether in the tabernacle, during a Eucharistic procession, or in a perpetual adoration chapel, is “evidence that a community has celebrated the eucharist …” (242). Jesus is present in the Eucharist and provides nourishment for the journey of life.
Pope Benedict XVI offers a profound reflection on the Eucharist as the source of mission: “The love that we celebrate in the sacrament is not something we can keep to ourselves. By its very nature it demands to be shared with all” (84). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives. We must share in the Eucharist to become saints and to respond to the call to bring Jesus to others. To be authentically Christian and fully alive is to embrace this call and foster unity among humanity. Only then can every hunger be satisfied.
The Eucharist and the Sacred Heart
On this significant Eucharistic feast, it is important to highlight its connection to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From his pierced heart flowed blood and water, symbolizing the sacramental life of the entire Church. In his encyclical, Delexit nos, Pope Francis stated, “In contemplating the pierced heart of the Lord … we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others … ” (171). Devotion to the Sacred Heart must extend beyond private piety and become a call to action. Pope Francis further emphasized, “As we contemplate the Sacred Heart, mission becomes a matter of love. For the greatest danger in mission is that, amid all the things we say and do, we fail to bring about a joyful encounter with the love of Christ who embraces us and saves us” (208). As disciples, we are called to serve with love for Jesus and to bear witness to that love in every person we encounter. This is how we console the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as Pope Francis described reparation. Reparation involves social and concrete actions toward justice, charity, and the restoration of broken relationships. By pursuing this goal, we foster reconciliation and peace, offering the “world the flames of his ardent and gracious love” (200).
In a world where individuals often become isolated by the hyper-sensationalism of the digital age, it is fitting to bring Jesus into the streets as a silent witness to the source of our happiness and love, both in the monstrance and in our hearts. Love for the Eucharist leads to love for the Sacred Heart, which awakens faith, reminding me that we are ultimately called to make our hearts a throne for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, realigning our desires in the burning love of our Lord’s heart. Such alignment shifts us from isolation to a life filled with authentic love, compassion, and Christian community. Live Jesus in our hearts forever.
Books About The Eucharist
Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know about Jesus, Mary, and Miracles by Fr. Spitzer
Cardiologist Examines Jesus: The Stunning Science Behind Eucharistic Miracles
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids (Catholic Stories for Kids)
The 7 Secrets of the Eucharist
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper
The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
The Divine Encounter: Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration
Books About The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: How to Practice the Sacred Heart Devotion
Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life
Sacred Heart of Jesus: Devotion to Jesus’ Heart for Children
Items For Children To Increase Their Devotion
Sacred Heart of Jesus Key Chain
Mini Sacred Heart Jesus Plush Doll
Sacred Heart of Jesus Rosary for Children
Gem Art Craft Kit Sacred Heart of Jesus
More Resources
A Practical Way To Pray The Litany Of The Sacred Heart
The Richness In The Sacred Heart Of Jesus | St. Josemaria Escriva
Holy Heart Items For Your Home
Folk Art Sacred Heart Print: 5×7
Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion
Image: Photo by Jonathan Dick, OSFS on Unsplash
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