Wow Millions in Poland Celebrate Corpus Christi with Traditional Processions Since 1320 that were Banned under Communism

Millions of people in Poland, on Thursday, June 16rd, 2022, celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi or the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus. It is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. This Solemnity is now assigned to the nearest Sunday in many countries.  Following Polish tradition, colourful processions were held around the country.

 

 The Catholic faithful in Poland usually attend Mass and then walk in a procession of the Blessed Sacrament while the faithful sing.

Po Eucharystii wyruszyła procesja do czterech ołtarzy, usytuowanych na trasie znanej już łodzianom z procesji odbywającej się w Święto Eucharystii (ul. Żeromskiego – Al. Mickiewicza – ul. Piotrkowska). @EpiskopatNews #BozeCialo pic.twitter.com/isWpcMzuKu

— Archidiecezja Łódzka (@ArchLodz) June 16, 2022

The feast has been celebrated in Poland since 1320, with the first mention of processions taking place around the 15th century. During communism in Poland, Corpus Christi processions were banned, however.

#BożeCiało w Gnieźnie. Obchodom przewodniczył bp Radosław Orchowicz >>> zdjęcia https://t.co/kGlmWTmk5N pic.twitter.com/3g8ZrFkDqq

— Arch gnieźnieńska (@prymasowska) June 16, 2022

Unique processions, their participants openly profess their faith and ask for God's blessing and famous flower carpets adorn the streets. In Spycimierz the carpets were recognized by UNESCO in 2021 as intangible cultural heritage of mankind.  They are almost 1 km long. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century.  Millions of Poles walked the streets of cities and towns across Poland and took part in the traditional Corpus Christi processions. The processions begin after Holy Mass from churches in towns and villages across Poland on the Feast of Corpus Christi.  The distance to be covered is sometimes quite long. The processioners stop at four altars decorated with flowers and birch branches to hear Gospel texts about the Eucharist. With Eucharistic songs they follow the priest who carries the Blessed Sacrament.

Ulicami Lublina przeszła procesja Bożego Ciała. Przy ołtarzach duchowieństwo i wierni modlili się o powołania kapłańskie, o pokój w Ukrainie, za rodziny i o jedność w Chrystusowym Kościele. Procesję poprowadzili @StanislawBudzik, bp Artur Miziński i bp Adam Bab. @ArchLubelska pic.twitter.com/sKSDJ5fDQV

— Niedziela Lubelska (@NLubelska) June 16, 2022

Many Poles participating in the procession wear colorful folk costumes associated with a specific region of Poland. Men carry flags and banners depicting patron saints, while women carry standards with religious motifs on either side, all adorned with flowers. Girls spread colorful petals in front of the priest, who carries a monstrance, and boys ring bells to announce the approach of the Eucharistic Lord. The events are attended by orchestras and folk music groups. After the processions are over, participants take home the flowers and birch branches from the altars as a sign of God's blessing. Farmers throw the branches on their fields to get a good harvest. 

Source: https://episkopat.pl/biskupi-w-boze-cialo-o-eucharystii-swiadectwie-wiary-pomaganiu-potrzebujacym-i-pokoju/