The Corpus Christi Holiday in Colombia is observed on the Monday following its actual date. It occurs on the second Thursday following Whitsun, the seventh Sunday following Easter (also known as Pentecost). This year, it occurs on June 12 in Colombia. ‘Corpus Christi’ is Latin for ‘the body of Christ’ and refers to elements of the Holy Eucharist (also known as the Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper, or Last Supper). In the Church of England, this day is known as the Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion, and it is commemorated with a family feast. During this holiday, mystery plays, a wonderful mediaeval tradition, are also popular.
CORPUS CHRISTI DAY IN THE HISTORY OF COLUMBIA
With the moniker “Corpus Christi,” the significance of the day is readily apparent. It honours the Holy Eucharist, which is the body of Jesus Christ. In the second half of the 13th century, Juliana of Liège advocated for the commemoration to become a Christian holiday. She claimed that God had been sending her messages since infancy about the need for a Eucharist feast day, which prompted her to petition the Bishop of Liège. As it was within the Bishop’s authority to order feasts in local dioceses, he agreed, convened an assembly of the clergy, and ordered that an annual Corpus Christi celebration be conducted.
After the deaths of Juliana and the Bishop, the celebration of Corpus Christi only grew in popularity. Pope Urban IV issued the papal bull ‘Transisturus de hoc mundo’ (a public decree) in 1264 to declare Corpus Christi a feast for the entire Latin Church. The date was designated for the Thursday following the Pentecost octave. It is observed on Thursday because the last supper occurred on that day.
Corpus Christi is a Roman Catholic holiday that is also observed by certain Anglican denominations, most notably the Church of England. As they do during Lent, Advent, Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas, Roman Catholic Bishops must be present at their cathedrals on Corpus Christi. A significant aspect of Corpus Christi today is the procession in which the priest conveys the Eucharist in a monstrance through the streets, followed by the congregation.
Five IMPORTANT CATHOLIC FESTIVALS
Lent
It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and resisting Satan’s temptations.
Easter
It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection three days after his death and burial.
The ascendancy
It commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into paradise.
Pentecost
This commemorates the day Jesus’ apostles received the Holy Spirit and he promised to send them an advocate.
Advent
It is a period of preparation for the Christmastime celebration of Christ’s birth.
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 |
