Corpus Christi in Canada

Corpus Christi is a Christian observance that commemorates the Holy Eucharist. ©iStockphoto.com/Robert Young

What do people do?

Corpus Christi is mainly celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church but it is included in a few Anglican churches in Canada. Some choirs perform music dedicated to Corpus Christi during this time of the year. Some schools, particularly Catholic schools, and Sunday schools run by churches may have lessons and learning activities that teach students about the history and meaning of Corpus Christi. Some churches have Corpus Christi processions and social gatherings after a church service.

Many Christians, particularly those who belong to the Catholic denomination, receive Communion on this day. Some people, particularly children, receive their first Communion during Corpus Christi. This practice, also known as the Eucharist, involves people accepting blessed bread and wine (or grape juice) in memory of Jesus Christ’s body and blood. Corpus Christi usually falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday although some churches may celebrate it on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

Public life

Corpus Christi is not a statutory public holiday in Canada.

Background

Corpus Christi is a festival that has been celebrated by many Christians, particularly the Catholic Church, in honor of the Eucharist since 1246. The name “Corpus Christi” is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. This event commemorates the Last Supper on the day before Jesus’ crucifixion, as described in the Bible. Corpus Christi is primarily celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church but it is also included in the calendar of some Anglican churches.

Symbols

Symbols that portray the event may include: an image of a host (consecrated bread) and chalice to depict the Holy Eucharist; an altar; and a ciborium, which is a chalice-like container used to store consecrated hosts of the sacrament of Eucharist, or the Holy Communion.

About Corpus Christi in other countries

Corpus Christi Observances

Other holidays in June 2009 in Canada

• Whit Monday (Monday, June 1, 2009)
• Trinity Sunday (Sunday, June 7, 2009)
• Father's Day (Sunday, June 21, 2009)
• National Aboriginal Day (Sunday, June 21, 2009)
• June Solstice (Sunday, June 21, 2009)
• National Aboriginal Day (Sunday, June 21, 2009)
• Discovery Day (Monday, June 22, 2009)
• St. Jean Baptiste Day (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)

Other calendars

• Perpetual yearly calendar - make yearly calendar for any year
• Perpetual monthly calendar - shows only one month at a time
• Custom calendar - make customized calendars

Related links

• Moon Phase Calculator
• Find duration between two dates
• Add a number of days to a given date
• Find when you are 20000 days old - and other useless facts
• Countdown to New Year