Corpus Christi Thursday

Traditionally the Feast of Corpus Christi is held on the second Thrusday following Pentecost Sunday. However; many Bishops have elected to celebrate the Mass on the Second Saturday instead.

That’s fine, so long as we know the actual date and not just where the Church has stuck it for the conveninece of the masses. Although in all honesty, I do get it. Our parish is holding a Mass and Procession on Saturday, June 1. Had it been held on Thursday, Hubby and I would not have been able to volunteer to drive items from the church to the park, set up for the Mass in the park, break it all down and return it to the church. Our volunteer day will begin at 6 in the morning and not end until sometime in the afternoon. On a work day, that would have been impossible. It’s unfortunate but we live in a corporate world and religious participation is forced into weekend observation.

For those unfamiliar with Corpus Christi Thursday, it falls 60 days after the Resurrection of the Lord. It is a feast to commemorate the Body and Blood; Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The entire purpose of this day is to focus solely on the Holy Eucharist. The date was chosen by Pope Urban IV when he declared the Eucharistic Miracle in Bolsena of 1263 to be authentic and therefore worthy of belief. Catholics (most, but not all) believe in Eucharistic Miracles such as the one in Bolsena. This miracle is actually two miracles. There was a German priest traveling to Rome on a pilgrimage. He had been struggling for a while with his faith, wrestling with the Devil if you will. The priest stopped in Bolsena to say Mass. Just after the consecration of the Eucharist, the host began to bleed. Needless to say, his faith was restored. After an investigation by the Pope of the miraculous host and bloodstained corporal (linen alter cloth) the authenticity of the miracle was confirmed. Thus the Solemnity of Corpus Christi was added to the liturgical calendar. This is not the only Eucharistic Miracle, but it is the one that established a new Solemnity within the church.

Today the faithful are actively seeking to have a young teen named Carlos Acutis declared a saint. If every there was a soul dedicated to the Eucharist, it was Carlos. He researched Eucharistic Miracles, and created a website dedicated to these miracles. From this panels were created that have traveled the world, educating Catholics as to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the miracle we all witness at Mass when the host is consecrated. Our parish displayed just a handful of these panels. To walk through them, to read in detail what had transpired, and to realize a teenage boy, dying of leukemia made their existence his life’s work was so moving. Carlos Acutis was just fifteen when he died in Monza, Italy. He was beatified on October 10, 2020; bringing him one step closer to sainthood. A second miracle has been authenticated. We may have our Saint Carlos Acutis by next year.

I believe in the transformation that takes place during Mass. It is why the bells are rung at the alter. It is this belief that keeps me on bended knee before the Lord, my head covered in reverance to His presence. It is a belief that cannot be taught, only felt. And it brings so much joy.

Wishing you a beautiful Tuscan Thursday. Enjoy this day as it is a gift. Every day is a gift when filled with the Holy Spirit.

Mezzi Rigatoni Bake
16 oz Mezzi Rigatoni (short cut pasta)
1 lb Ground Beef
1 lb Mild Italian Sausage
Italian Seasoning to taste
1 (26 oz) jar Tomato Based Pasta Sauce
1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Heat oven to 350-degrees. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray, set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot.

While the pasta cooks, crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, brown meats over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Add meat to the pot with the pasta.

Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes and 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese to the pot. Stir to combine, the pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cup of Mozzarella Cheese over the top. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese over the Mozzarella cheese.

Cove with foil. Bake for about 25 minutes or until casserole is heated through and the cheese is gooey.

Serve with a side of salad, warm garlic toast and a nice glass of wine.

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Hubby and I have talked about settling in Texas when he is ready to retire. Hum, I wonder what Corpus Christi, Texas is like. Don’t mind me, I’m just thinking out loud.

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The Lord is good:
His kindness endures forever,
and His faithfulness, to all generations.