Corpus Christi in Vienna: A festival full of traditions and processions!

Corpus Christi in Vienna: A festival full of traditions and processions!

On Thursday, June 19, 2023, Vienna celebrates a very special festival - the high festival of the body and blood of Christ, better known as Corpus Christi. This holiday always falls on the second Thursday after Pentecost and has its roots in the 13th century. Pope Urban IV made the festival binding for the entire Roman Catholic church in 1264 and on this day the veneration of the host is celebrated. My district reports that many people take to take part in the festive processions.

A central element of the Corpus Christi is the procession that traditionally begins in Vienna on Stephansplatz and moves through the inner city. This colorful celebration has its roots in the Middle Ages and is an experience for young and old. The procession is listed by diocese administrator Josef Grünwidl. The large high office starts at 8.30 a.m., followed by the procession, which reaches its peak around 9:30 a.m. The monstrance, in which the consecrated host lies, is solemnly carried through the streets and captivates numerous believers.

traditions and stations

During the procession, several churches are stopped, including at the Augustinian Church and the Michaelerkirche. Gospel texts are presented at symbolic stations and the Eucharistic blessing is donated. Altars outdoors are built throughout Vienna and blessing stations are part of the program. The festival is also celebrated in the districts, with local parades, for example in Leopoldstadt, Alsergrund and Meidling.

The viewers can look forward to a mixture of prayers, singing and festive flower loopholes that should symbolize the path for God. Above all, the extract of the Corpus Christi celebrations in the districts is impressive and offers a varied program. Here are some highlights:

• parish of St. Stephan: High office at 8.30 a.m., procession around 9.30 a.m., late fair at 9 p.m.
• parish church for St. Klaus von Flüe: Start at 9.30 a.m.
• Parish Church of Neuerdberg and parish church Don Bosco: Start at 9 a.m.
• parish Rossau: festival fair at 10 a.m., parish festival from 2.30pm to 10pm.
• branch church for St. Franz von Sales: Start at 9.30 a.m.
• parish of Maria Lourdes: start at 10.30 a.m., together with the Indian community and parish name Jesus.

For everyone who wants to learn more about the background and the meaning of Corpus Christi, the Archdiocese of Vienna Extent information sources.

a festival for all

Corpus Christi is more than just a church holiday; It is a social event that strengthens the community and brings people of all ages. Processions take place in many regions, also outside of Vienna, and the festival is celebrated in a similar way. In Germany, for example, Corpus Christi is a legal holiday in several federal states, which shows that the importance of the festival goes far beyond the borders of Austria.

whether believer or not-the Corpus Christi is a colorful spectacle that underlines the country's traditional and cultural roots. It is worth being part of this festive procession and experiencing the atmosphere and community that arises in the streets of Vienna. as well as the Frankfurter Rundschau, the holiday brings many people together and creates a feeling of associatedness.