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 will celebrate a very special festival - the Solemnity 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 so the veneration of the Host is celebrated on this day. My district reports that many people take to the streets to take part in the festive processions.

A central element of Corpus Christi is the procession, which traditionally begins in Vienna at 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 led by diocese administrator Josef Grünwidl. The great high mass starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the procession, which reaches its climax around 9:30 a.m. The monstrance containing the consecrated host is solemnly carried through the streets and captivates numerous believers.

Traditions and stations

During the procession there will be stops at several churches, including the Augustinian Church and the St. Michael's Church. Gospel texts are recited and the Eucharistic blessing is given at symbolic stations. Altars are set up outdoors throughout Vienna and blessing stations are part of the program. The festival is also celebrated in the districts, with local parades in, for example, Leopoldstadt, Alsergrund and Meidling.

Those watching can look forward to a mixture of prayers, singing and festive flower scattering, which is intended to symbolize the path for God. Above all, the selection of Corpus Christi celebrations in the districts is impressive and offers a varied program. Here are some highlights:

• Pfarre St. Stephan: Hochamt um 8.30 Uhr, Prozession ca. 9.30 Uhr, Spätmesse um 21 Uhr.
• Pfarrkirche Zum hl. Klaus von Flüe: Start um 9.30 Uhr.
• Pfarrkirche Neuerdberg und Pfarrkirche Don Bosco: Start um 9 Uhr.
• Pfarre Rossau: Festmesse um 10 Uhr, Pfarrfest von 14.30 bis 22 Uhr.
• Filialkirche Zum hl. Franz von Sales: Start um 9.30 Uhr.
• Pfarre Maria Lourdes: Start um 10.30 Uhr, gemeinsam mit der indischen Gemeinde und Pfarre Namen Jesu.

For anyone who would like to find out more about the background and meaning of Corpus Christi, the Archdiocese of Vienna comprehensive sources of information.

A celebration for everyone

Corpus Christi is more than just a religious holiday; it is a social event that strengthens community and brings people of all ages together. In many regions, including outside Vienna, processions take place and the festival is celebrated in a similar way. In Germany, for example, Corpus Christi is a public holiday in several federal states, which shows that the importance of the festival extends far beyond the borders of Austria.

Whether religious or not, Corpus Christi is a colorful spectacle that underlines the country's traditional cultural roots. It is worth being part of this festive procession and experiencing the atmosphere and community that is created in the streets of Vienna. As the Frankfurter Rundschau also states, The holiday brings many people together and creates a sense of belonging.