Download Bulletin 7th June 2026

FR HUGH’S HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

In 1263 a priest from Bohemia (Czech Republic now), known unsurprisingly as Peter of Prague, was saying Mass in a church in Bolsena in the centre of Italy (then in the Papal States.)  During Mass, as the consecration took place, drops of blood fell from the consecrated host onto the corporal (the piece of cloth the host and chalice sit on during Mass,)  The corporal was taken from Bolsena to Orvieto, not that far away, where the Pope Urban IV was living at the time, and placed in a special spot, now a chapel decorated with scenes from the miracle and miracles performed by the consecrated host or at the Eucharist.  (Well worth looking up or visiting for its frescoes, besides which Orvieto Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Italy.)  A year later Thomas Aquinas suggested that the Pope instigate the Feast of Corpus Christi.  Whatever we may think of such miracles, what was the purpose of the fuss and then the feast?………

Complete Homily for Corpus Christi

Daily Prayers Week 10