The Miracle Behind Corpus Christi

Why does the Church celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi? Dr. Sri delves into the origins and meaning of the Feast of Corpus Christi, underscoring the necessity of faith and trust in understanding the mystery of the Eucharist.

Snippet from the Show

"Faith will tell us Christ is present when our human senses fail."- St. Thomas Aquinas

Shownotes

The Origins of Corpus Christi

Let's journey back to the year 1263 AD, to the charming Italian city of Orvieto, just north of Rome. This city's history intertwines with the breathtaking story of a Eucharistic miracle. A Bohemian priest, devout yet struggling with his belief in Christ's presence in the Eucharist, found himself on a pilgrimage to Rome. Near the valley of Orvieto, the priest witnessed something extraordinary. During Mass, as he uttered the words of consecration, blood began to drip from the sacred host, staining the altar cloth, known as the corporal.

When this miraculous event reached Pope Urban IV, who was residing in Orvieto at the time, he was deeply moved. He instituted the feast of Corpus Christi, and a magnificent cathedral was later built in Orvieto to house the sacred relic. The facade of this cathedral, adorned with beautiful statues and art, tells the entire story of salvation history.

The Eucharistic Miracle and St. Thomas Aquinas

Pope Urban IV sought St. Thomas Aquinas's help to compose hymns for the new feast day. A renowned philosopher and theologian, Aquinas wasn't known for his poetic prowess. Yet, inspired by his faith, he composed some of the most profound Eucharistic hymns that are treasures to this day. Hymns such as "Adoro Te Devote" and "Pange Lingua" express the mystery and wonder of the Eucharist, emphasizing that faith reveals Christ's presence when our human senses cannot.

Understanding the Eucharist: Beyond Human Senses

The Eucharist is a mystery that transcends what we can perceive with our senses. Even devout Catholics sometimes wrestle with understanding how the consecrated host and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ, especially since they still appear as bread and wine. Yet, this belief isn't based on perception but on faith.

Aquinas noted that this mystery "cannot be apprehended by the senses but only by faith," relying on divine authority. We trust in God's revelation, accepting that His word, spoken in Scripture and tradition, reveals truths beyond our comprehension.

The Power of God's Word and the Eucharist

The Bible offers countless examples of the transformative power of God's word. When Jesus declared the Last Supper bread and wine to be His body and blood, He was speaking with the same divine authority that healed lepers and raised the dead.

John 6, the Bread of Life Discourse, illuminates this further. Jesus emphasizes the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which foreshadows the Last Supper and the establishment of this sacred mystery.

Sacrifice and Communion: Achieving Union with God

In ancient traditions, a shared meal consummated a sacrifice, symbolizing union with God. St. Paul reiterates this pattern in 1 Corinthians, highlighting that Christ, our Passover sacrifice, invites us to partake in communion with Him through the Eucharist.

Dr. Sri's Events List (2025)

• May 16-17: Ave Maria Retreat - Ave Maria, FL
• June 8 - Rockville NY
• June 22-30: Rome Pilgrimage - Italy
• Aug 2-5: Grand Getaway - Mackinac Island, MI
• Sept 13 - Marriage Weekend - Fort Collins, CO
• Sept 20 - Eucharist Encounter - Tampa FL
• Aug 9: Emmaus: Diocesan Family Conference - Gary, IN
• Oct 8: Legatus - Jacksonville, FL
• Oct 11 - Love and Responsibility Conference - Los Angeles CA
• Oct 13-15 - Madison WI
• Oct 22-24 - Missionaries of Charity - Memphis TN