Festive service for Corpus Christi: blessings and tradition in Großbottwar!

Festive service for Corpus Christi: blessings and tradition in Großbottwar!

On June 19, 2025, a celebratory service for Corpus Christi will take place in Großbottwar. The service, which begins at 10:00 a.m. in the park of Schaubeck Castle, is organized by the Catholic parish of Großbottwar in collaboration with the neighboring communities of Oberstefeld, Beilstein and St. Pius. In the middle of the old trees, the focus will be on the topic of the Lord's Supper. The congregation plans to carry Christ in holy bread in a monstrance through the park, symbolizing the physical presence of Jesus.

Corpus Christi is a solemnity in the Roman Catholic church year, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is celebrated on the 60th day after Easter Sunday and therefore always between May 21st and June 24th. In Germany, Corpus Christi is a public holiday in several federal states, including Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. In other federal states, Catholic workers are entitled to unpaid time off, while Catholic school children can be excused from classes [Vivat] reports that Corpus Christi represents an important commemoration of Jesus' last supper and the institution of the Eucharist.

Traditions and customs

A central element of the celebrations are the processions in which believers come together to venerate the body of Christ in the form of bread. The first Corpus Christi procession took place in Cologne in 1279 and has been an integral part of this festival ever since. In these processions the priest will carry the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament through the streets, often accompanied by music and prayers. The procession will stop at four stations and the altars there will be decorated with flowers; In some cases, artistic floral carpets designed by members of the community are laid to honor the altars.

Jesus, who is the living bread that came from heaven, speaks to the crowd and emphasizes the importance of sharing his body and blood for eternal life. He explains that the bread he gives is different from what the fathers ate since they died. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever [Katholisch.at] reports that this is deeply rooted in Corpus Christi and brings believers together in gratitude and community.

The design of the festive service on June 19th in Großbottwar will celebrate the spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church and at the same time strengthen the solidarity of the believers in the community. Preparations for this are already underway, taking into account the centuries-old tradition that surrounds Corpus Christi. By bringing together diverse community members, a sense of community and cohesion is fostered that goes beyond mere celebrations.