Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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CORPUS CHRISTI
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, established in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorote of Liège, at the suggestion of St. Juliana of Mont Cornillon (1192-1258). Its observance was extended to the Universal Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. The office for the day was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas, and the customary procession was approved by Popes Martin V and Eugene IV. Now celebrated as the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ on the first Thursday (or Sunday) after the feast of the Holy Trinity.
