Pope Francis leads Corpus Christi celebration

May 26, 2016

In his homily for the feast of Corpus Christi, which was celebrated in Rome on May 26, Pope Francis concentrated on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me."

The Pope remarked that "it is the 'doing' of the Eucharist that always has Jesus as its subject, but which is made real through our poor hands anointed by the Holy Spirit." The Eucharist, he said, is the means by which Jesus is present to the Church today.

The Pope also reminded the faithful that Jesus broke the bread before offering it to his disciples, and again at Emmaus He was recognized in the breaking of the bread. This "breaking" is a crucial aspect of the Eucharist, he said. "Jesus was broken; He is broken for us."

Reflecting on that reality, the Holy Father said:

How many mothers, how many fathers, together with the slices of bread they provide each day on the tables of their homes, have broken their hearts to let their children grow, and grow well! How many Christians, as responsible citizens, have broken their own lives to defend the dignity of all, especially the poorest, the marginalized and those discriminated! Where do they find the strength to do this?  It is in the Eucharist: in the power of the Risen Lord’s love, who today too breaks bread for us and repeats: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

 

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: Corpus Domini homily (Vatican Radio)