06/06/2026
Faith in the Holy TrinityโFather, Son, and Holy Spiritโis a close and accessible experience, especially through the Eucharist.
In 1207, Giuliana di Cornillon, a fifteen-year-old Belgian Augustinian nun, had a vision of a full moon with a dark spot. This was seen as a sign that the Church needed a specific feast to honor the Body of Jesus in the Eucharist. Giuliana worked hard to establish this feast and succeeded locally when Robert de Thourette became bishop of Liรจge in 1247.
In 1261, Jacques Pantelรฉon, who later became Pope Urban IV, was inspired by a Eucharistic miracle in Bolsena, Italy. In 1264, Pope Urban IV issued the bull "Transiturus," creating the Corpus Christi feast to be celebrated on the Thursday after Pentecost, with Thomas Aquinas composing its liturgical office.
Although Pope Urban IV died shortly after, the feast was confirmed by Pope Clement V in 1312. The traditional Corpus Christi procession was officially introduced by Pope John XXII in 1316.
During his visit to Orvieto, Saint John Paul II highlighted the city's connection to the Bolsena miracle, emphasizing God's loving presence in the Eucharist. Orvieto continues to honor this sacred mystery, preserving the enduring flame of faith.