The Colombia Corpus Christi Holiday is celebrated on the Monday after its actual date. It falls on the second Thursday after Whitsun, the seventh Sunday after Easter (also known as Pentecost). This year in Colombia, it falls on June 23 . ‘Corpus Christi’ is Latin for ‘the body of Christ’ and refers to elements of the Holy Eucharist (also called the Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper, or Last Supper). This day is called the Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion in the Church of England and is celebrated by enjoying a big feast with the family. Mystery plays (a great medieval tradition) are also popular during this holiday.
History of Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday
With the name ‘Corpus Christi’, it is easy to determine what the day represents. It celebrates the Holy Eucharist — the body of Jesus Christ. Its emergence as a Christian feast came in the second half of the 13th century as a nun, Juliana of Liège, advocated for the celebration. She claimed that since childhood, God had been sending her messages that there should be a feast day for the Eucharist, which eventually led her to petition the Bishop of Liège. As it was within the power of the Bishop to order feasts in their local dioceses, the Bishop agreed to it and convened an assembly of the clergy and ordered that a celebration of Corpus Christi be held annually.
The celebration of Corpus Christi only became more popular after the deaths of Juliana and the Bishop. In 1264, the papal bull ‘Transisturus de hoc mundo’ (a public decree) was issued by Pope Urban IV to make Corpus Christi a feast throughout the entire Latin Church. The day was set for Thursday after the octave of Pentecost. It is celebrated on a Thursday because the last supper took place on a Thursday.
Corpus Christi is a Roman Catholic feast but is also acknowledged in some Anglican churches, most notably the Church of England. On Corpus Christi, Roman Catholic Bishops are to be present at their cathedrals just like they do in Lent, Advent, Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas. Nowadays, an important part of Corpus Christi is the procession during which the priest carries the Eucharist on display in a special receptacle called a ‘monstrance’ in the middle of the streets with the congregation following.
Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday timeline
Saint Liege gets her first vision of Christ at the age of 16.
Saint Liege shares her visions with Canon John of Lausanne after being elected as the prioress of the double canonry.
The Bishop of Liège orders a celebration of Corpus Christi and that it should be held annually.
Pope Urban IV makes Corpus Christi a feast throughout the entire Latin rite.
Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday FAQs
What are the seven sacraments?
The seven sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
Is Colombia a Christian country?
Roman Catholicism is the majority religion in Colombia and is adhered to by 90% of citizens.
What are the colors of Corpus Christi?
The colors of corpus Christi are white and purple.
How to Observe Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday
Attend the procession
Celebrate the day by attending the procession. It is the major activity of Corpus Christi and shouldn’t be missed.
Express gratitude
There’s plenty to be thankful for, most of all the divinity of Christ. True believers commemorate the day by listing the things they feel blessed to have. It is through the expression of gratitude that we open ourselves up to new blessings.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness of the day in any way you can. You can do this by word of mouth or with a social media post.
5 Important Catholic Celebrations
Lent
It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation from the Devil.
Easter
It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after he died and was buried.
The Ascension
It celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
Pentecost
This commemorates the day Jesus’ apostles were filled with the holy spirit and he promised to send them a helper.
Advent
It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas time.
Why Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday is Important
It is a public holiday
Who doesn’t love a public holiday? The day offers everyone a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It honors the ultimate sacrifice
Corpus Christi honors the Holy Eucharist on the day of his wreath. It is the most common ritual followed by Christians across the world.
It unites the believers
Corpus Christi unites the believers and reignites their faith in the divine miracle of Christ. The observation begins with the vision of a devotee, which makes it a special calling of the Lord himself.
Columbia Corpus Christi Holiday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 20 | Monday |
| 2023 | June 12 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 3 | Monday |
| 2025 | June 23 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 8 | Monday |
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