Solemnity of the Body of God or the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, by Friar José Carlos Matias

The Solemnity of the Body of God, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, is a very special feast in the life of the Catholic Church. On this day, we celebrate the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He is with us!

I'm sharing this very simple text with you, which is not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of the subject, but rather to help you reflect on the profound mystery of the Eucharist.

The Mystery of the Body of God: Tradition, Faith and Reflection

The Body of God, one of the most important feasts in the Catholic liturgical calendar, is a time of deep reflection and celebration. This feast dates back to the 13th century, when a nun, Juliana de Cornillon, had visions that inspired her to promote the institution of a feast in honour of the Body of Christ present in the Eucharist.

At a time when the Eucharist was difficult to understand, this Solemnity emerged as a beacon of faith, reaffirming the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated host. In the face of misinterpretations and doubts, this celebration invites the faithful to renew their devotion and understanding of this central sacrament of the Catholic faith.

History and meaning

The history of the Body of God is intrinsically linked to the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The belief in the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine is at the heart of this feast, which celebrates the mystery of transubstantiation. During the Eucharist, the bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, retaining only the physical appearances of bread and wine. Beyond all possible explanations, we believe in this real presence because, at the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus said: ‘this is my body’, ‘this is my blood’; and he never deceives us.

In Portugal, devotion to the Body of God gained prominence under the reign of King Manuel I, who promoted the construction of magnificent churches and chapels for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The procession of the Body of God, with the Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed, is one of the most visible manifestations of this devotion.

St Anthony: A Model of Eucharistic Devotion

As a good Franciscan, I cannot fail to mention St Anthony. Known and venerated throughout the world, he was born in Lisbon at the end of the 12th century and is known not only for his miracles and preaching, but also for his deep devotion to the Eucharist.

St Anthony understood the Eucharist to be the pinnacle of Christian life, the moment when the faithful are most intimately united to Christ. His Eucharistic devotion has inspired generations. I could share countless details, including the famous story of the mule and the heretic, but I'll talk about all that another time.

St Thomas Aquinas: Theology and Reflection

St Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest theologians in the history of the Church, made a significant contribution to the understanding of the Eucharistic mystery. In his monumental work, the ‘Summa Theologiae’, St Thomas explores the nature of the Eucharist, defending the doctrine of transubstantiation and the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine.

For St Thomas, the Eucharist is not just a symbol or a reminder, but the substantial presence of Christ in the life of the Christian community. His theological approach continues to be a fundamental reference for understanding this mystery that is so central to the faith.

In short...

The feast of the Body of God is an opportunity for the faithful to renew their faith in the living presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As we recall the history of this feast, the devotion of St Anthony and the theological reflection of St Thomas Aquinas, we are invited to immerse ourselves more deeply in the Eucharistic mystery and renew our commitment to Christ and the Christian community.

I deeply hope that this celebration will inspire us to live the values of the Gospel more fully and to witness to Christ's real, physical and tangible presence in the world.