The Feast of Corpus Christi

The Feast of Corpus Christi is both popular and religious.

Orvieto is best known for “The Feast of Corpus Christi.” Because back in 1263 when Pope Urban IV was living in Orvieto, a devout German priest was finding it difficult to believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. But when on his way to Rome he celebrated the Mass in Bolsena, and blood seeped from the consecrated Host and trickled over his hands onto the altar and the corporal. Shocked, he rushed to Orvieto, to tell the pope. Hearing this, Pope Urban requested that the Host and bloodstained cloth be brought to him. A procession indeed brought it, and the pope and religious dignitaries received it. Soon, they had the relics enshrined in the Duomo (cathedral). These items are still displayed there in a golden reliquary in the Chapel of the Corporal.

Affected by this miracle, Pope Urban commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the Proper for a Mass and an Office honoring the Holy Eucharist as the Body of Christ. The hymns Aquinas created include the traditional ones still widely used in Benediction. And a year after the miracle, Pope Urban IV introduced Aquinas’ composition and issued a papal bull instituting the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ) to be observed worldwide.

Well, we “just so happen” to be staying in Orvieto at the time when they celebrate this feast. And it’s quite the spectacle. This little city relives the solemnity with a ceremony that’s both religious and popular (think: Mardi Gras in Venice). On the Saturday before the big day, the nobles of the ruled territories march, followed by numerous ladies and courtiers. Actors perform in organized plays in the square, people engage in Medieval dances, and flag-wavers and falconers perform.

The following day, Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, the parade and the religious procession of relics intersect as people throw flower petals on the streets. Imagine 400 actors representing the history, culture, and traditions of what was once a powerful Medieval site. And their backdrop is the well-preserved Duomo along with monuments of the historic center. Add period costumes, drapes and banners, armors, helmets, and embroidery. And let’s not leave out songs, drums, and trumpets.