Corpus Christi in Langenbach: festive service with a large procession!

Corpus Christi in Langenbach: festive service with a large procession!

On June 22, 2025, the parish of Langenbach will celebrate the “Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ” (Corpus Christi) with a festive service in the parish church of St. Nikolaus von Flüe. The special meaning of this festival lies in the veneration of the Eucharist, which has its origins in the Last Supper, when Jesus gave his disciples bread and wine and said: “This is my body” and “This is my blood”. Vatican News explains that Corpus Christi is celebrated on the 60th day after Easter, specifically on the second Thursday after Pentecost.

The festival service in Langenbach initiates a celebratory procession through the village. The procession is led by Father Ignatius, who particularly emphasized the presence of Jesus in the bread and wine during the Eucharist. The procession, in which Mayor Susanne Hoyer and members of the local council also take part, moves through the streets of Bahnhofstrasse, Inkofener Strasse and Dorfstrasse to the cemetery church of St. Nicholas of Myra. Reports the Wochenanzeiger of this festive procession, which is linked to blessings at a total of four altars.

The roots of Corpus Christi

The origins of the feast of Corpus Christi date back to 1264, when Pope Urban IV introduced it to the entire Latin Church. The story of the nun Juliana of Liège, who lived in the 13th century and received visions of the Holy Host from God, is also central to the festival tradition. Catholic.de highlights that the dark line that Juliana saw in a vision gave her the impetus to call for a feast of veneration of the Eucharist.

The festival was first celebrated in Julianna's home region of Belgium before spreading throughout Europe through processions and prayers in the 14th century. These signs of veneration are still particularly important today, as Catholics display their faith through solemn processions and symbolically highlight the transformation of the Host. Included The transformed host is also the focus of the Corpus Christi processions.

Celebrating together in the community

In Langenbach, after the procession, the social gathering begins on Red Square. Tents and parasols are prepared here for around 250 people, where cool drinks such as water, shandy and non-alcoholic beer are offered. Your physical well-being is also taken care of: rolled roast, Viennese schnitzel with potato salad as well as coffee, cakes and tarts invite you to linger. The Langenbach Volunteer Fire Department also ensures that the event is held safely, which creates a good feeling among the guests. As the Wochenanzeiger reports, both faith and community are placed in the foreground.

Corpus Christi remains a holiday that not only honors Catholic traditions, but also focuses on community and conviviality. As the celebrations in Langenbach show, the high festival is an important anchor for many believers and marks a special day in the church calendar.