Corpus Christi 2025: A festival full of tradition and celebrations!

Corpus Christi 2025: A festival full of tradition and celebrations!

Lüttich, Belgien - On June 19, 2025, the Catholic Festival Corpus Christi will be celebrated in Austria, officially known as the "High Festival of the Leib and Blood of Christ". This holiday is one of the most important occasions in the Catholic church year and emphasizes the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The term "Corpus Christi" is derived from the Middle High German "Vrône Lîcham", which means "body of the Lord". The festivities are mainly characterized by colorful processions in which the consecrated host is carried through the streets in a monstrance, accompanied by clergymen, altar servers, music bands and traditional costumes.

Corpus Christi is celebrated on Pentecost on the second Thursday, which corresponds to 60 days after Easter Sunday. The origins of the festival go back to the Augustinernnonne Juliana von Liège in the 13th century. Juliana, who was looked after by Augustinian choir women early orphaned, had visions that inspired them to demand a festival to worship of the Eucharist. Her idea found support from brothers and was ultimately included in the church calendar by Pope Urban IV. 1264 as an official festival. The celebration is recognized as a legal holiday in Austria and not only attracts believers, but also many people use this day for shortage or relaxed hours outdoors.

traditions and celebrations

The processions during Corpus Christi are a visible expression of the Catholic faith in public space. Festively decorated altars are set up along the routes, and great emphasis is placed on tradition in rural regions. Houses are decorated with flags and images of saints, and children sprinkle petals as a sign of respect and honorable. These customs, which originated in the 14th century, are supposed to demonstrate the present of Christ in the world and not just limit it within the church.

The first documentation of Corpus Christi processions dates from the end of the 13th century. These celebrations were accompanied by music groups and often contained decorated altars along the route. The custom of carrying the consecrated host during the festival was introduced by Pope Urban IV. Today it is at the discretion of the local bishop how and whether a procession should take place.

The meaning of the festival

Corpus Christi reminds the believers that their religion can and may be public. The holiday has established itself not only in Austria, but also in Catholic federal states in Germany. At the second Vatican, the Eucharist was emphasized as the highest form of veneration, which underlines the importance of Corpus Christi. While critics like Martin Luther viewed the celebrations as a provocation, Corpus Christi remains a significant time of faith and community.

rooted in tradition, many believers celebrate this day as part of their religious identity. Juliana von Liège, who was largely responsible for the establishment of the festival, was canonized in 1869. Your visions and your commitment to the Eucharist continue to achieve great importance in the Catholic community through Corpus Christi. The canonization of her companion Eva von Liège is also another sign of her influence in the history of this celebration.

For more information on the background of the festival, we refer to OE24, katholisch.de and germany-feier.de.