Corpus Christi Procession

© - Direction de la Communication - Manu Vitali

Yesterday evening, following a Mass celebrated in the Cathedral by Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco, the Corpus Christi Procession, headed by the Penitents of the Brotherhood of Mercy, led the faithful from the Cathedral to the Courtyard of Honour of the Palace, where H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover were present.

After the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the "Tantum Ergo," sung by the Cathedral Choir and the Little Singers of Monaco, the procession set off again, to the rhythm of the Municipal Brass Band, for a second Benediction in the Place de la Mairie.

Corpus Christi, or Corpus Domini, is known as the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.  This feast day is celebrated on the Thursday following Holy Trinity, i.e. sixty days after Easter, as a reminder of the Institution of the Eucharist (the Last Supper), which takes place on Holy Thursday of Holy Week.  It commemorates the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine that is traditionally consecrated during the Mass.