By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial love and His real presence in the Eucharist. “Corpus Christi” is Latin for “Body of Christ.”
This year, the Feast of Corpus Christi which also marked the feast day of Blessed Sacrament Church, fell on 7 June. To commemorate the occasion, the parish held a Corpus Christi Triduum Mass from 4 to 6 June and a short procession inside the Church during the 10.30 am English Mass on 7 June, celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh with Parish rector Fr Leonard Yap concelebrating.
In his homily, Archbishop Simon explained the meaning and reason for carrying the monstrance in the procession. It is to tell the people that Jesus is fully present in the Blessed Sacrament. It is “Jesus himself blessing you with his body and blood, the Body of Christ.”“Jesus is present in Holy Communion. When we truly believe that He is fully present, it changes the way we act and receive Him,” Archbishop Simon said. He encouraged parishioners to invite Jesus into the homes of family members and friends, especially the sick.
Recalling his visits to kampung homes as a young priest, he shared how he once brought Holy Communion to a sick man living in a small hut, where only a small stool was available to be used as a makeshift altar. The humble setting reminded him of Jesus being laid in a feeding trough at birth. Jesus says “I am food for my people, come down from heaven. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, anyone who takes this bread can live forever.” Archbishop Simon reminded the faithful of the importance of remembering Jesus, especially in times of illness.
The Mass ended with a short Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction by Archbishop Simon Poh.
