The Solemnity of Corpus Christi

06-23-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

Love the Heat!

Finally, beginning this weekend, the summer is officially here upon us! Having lived here in Arizona for several years now, it is obvious to me that summer is the most challenging time for churches as we deal with empty pews and increasing bills. Recently, out of curiosity, I decided to read some articles to find out about the impact of summer on people’s mood, attitudes and general behaviors, especially here in Arizona. The findings were very interesting. Most studies showed a high correlation between summer and a rise in anger, rage and violence. It is good to be conscious of these facts and pay attention to our mood during the summer time. However, interestingly, I found a few studies that indicated that many people actually look forward to summer for several reasons such as shopping, pool parties, beautiful monsoon storms, less traffic and cheap hotels. I often tell people not to dread coming to Mass during the summer because, by the grace of God through the generosity of our parishioners, we will continue to cool the church and make it comfortable for everyone. We thank God we live at a time when we all have air-conditioning units in our houses, vehicles and churches.

Reflections on The Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a Latin term meaning “Body of Christ.” This Solemnity is celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday to commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. In the 13th century, St. Juliana of Liege in Belgium, an Augustinian nun, saw a vision in which she was instructed to tell the Church to institute a Feast in honor of the Eucharist. She revealed the information to her bishop, Robert de Thorete, and later to the Pope, Pope Urban IV. In 1246, the Pope called for a synod in which the Feast was approved to be celebrated in the Latin Church as a Solemnity. The great theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas, composed some Eucharistic Adoration hymns for the celebration such as “Tantum Ergo,” “Pange Lingua,” and the “O Salutaris Hostia.” We still sing these Eucharistic hymns today during Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Traditionally, on this day, the Eucharist is honored by carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a solemn procession through the town stopping several times for Benediction. This custom is still encouraged and practiced in many countries throughout the world. With the celebration of Corpus Christi we now begin the full Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Calendar which will last until the Season of Advent in November.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.
Fr. James

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