What does Corpus Christi mean?

Corpus Christi is a Latin term that means "the Body of Christ."

Each year the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi.

What does Corpus Christi mean?

Corpus Christi is a Latin term meaning “body” (corpus) of “Christ” (Christi). The feast by this name was introduced on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, in accord with the requests of Juliana of Liege, a 13th-century religious woman who promoted this devotion.

Initially the feast was called simply, “Corpus Christi,” and has retained that name in the local Catholic customs of many countries.

It is also called “Corpus Domini,” which similarly means “Body of the Lord.”

The official name in English is, “The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.”

This name more accurately summarizes the entire mystery of the Eucharist, as it includes Jesus’ body and blood.

Currently, the feast has been moved in many places to the Sunday following Trinity Sunday to make it possible for more of the faithful to participate in the Mass of Corpus Christi.