On Sunday the people of St. Mary Basilica Parish would like to invite the people of Natchez to join us in our celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ) and our opening of the observance of the year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Jackson.

The feast honors the belief in the presence of Christ in the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist. It was first celebrated in the 13th century in Belgium, but its popularity rapidly spread throughout Europe until it was established as a universal feast of the church in 1264 by Pope Urban IV. Traditionally it was marked by processions, hymns and special Masses. It continues to be an important feast day in the Roman Catholic tradition, but it is also celebrated in some Anglican and Lutheran churches as well.

The Feast of Corpus Christi also has a connection with Natchez. In 1862, immediately following the bombardment of Natchez, Bishop William Henry Elder proposed a celebration of thanksgiving that there had been no widespread loss of life or damage to property.

At this time the clergy and the congregation of the church made a public vow that the Feast of Corpus Christi would be marked each year as a Holy Day in the City of Natchez, to be marked by prayer and participation at Mass to thank God for His protection and to pray for its continuance. This vow is marked by a marble plaque on the wall of the Cathedral, and continued to be kept until it was lifted by Bishop Gunn in 1913 (information from Cradle of Days of St. Mary at Natchez 1798-1888 by Bishop R.O. Gerow).

This year’s special celebration is being held in order to mark the opening of the Year of the Eucharist, which is to be marked throughout the Diocese of Jackson by Catholics. The purposes of this year-long observation are to highlight the central importance of the Holy Eucharist through a variety of programs and observances; and to encourage each Catholic parish to make the weekly celebration of the Mass an inspiring faith experience.

We will begin our celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi and the Year of the Eucharist with the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, immediately followed by a Corpus Christi procession.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, where people are encouraged to come by the church and spend time in prayer before the altar, will be from 11:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. on Sunday, and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

In addition, evening prayer (vespers) from the Liturgy of Hours will be at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Ruth Powers is a member of St. Mary Basilica Parish.