This is how Corpus Christi was celebrated in the Holy Sepulcher where Christ was resurrected

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi was also experienced in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the precise place where Christ was resurrected. There Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa presided over a series of special rites to glorify the Blessed Sacrament.

The Custody of the Holy Land (CTS) indicated that the celebrations began on Wednesday, May 29, in the afternoon. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, led the recitation of the First Vespers of Corpus Christi, a set of prayers and psalms specific to this holiday that all religious people in the world pray.

Then all those present, including local faithful, consecrated persons and pilgrims, accompanied the Franciscans in a procession through various parts of the temple. Then they prayed Compline, prayers that are usually prayed to end the day and before going to sleep.

However, in the early morning they continued in prayer with the Vigil Service, which was presided over by Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land. This moment of prayer and reflection concluded with the singing of the Te Deum and the blessing with the Book of the Gospel.

On Thursday, May 30, Cardinal Pizzaballa led the prayer of Lauds (psalms and songs that are prayed to start the day). Later, the Solemn Mass of Corpus Christi was celebrated. During the homily, the cardinal highlighted that “the Eucharist is not just a moment in the life of Jesus, nor is it in ours: it is, above all, a style (of life).”

“The bread with which God feeds his people is Jesus himself. This is the answer to our need for trust, for life, for love and for welcome: Jesus,” he added.

The Body of Christ entered the tomb

At the end of the Mass, the procession took place with the Blessed Sacrament and the traditional three laps were made around the Edicule (building) that protects the holy sepulcher and is in the center of the temple. Then Cardinal Pizzaballa entered the Edicule with the Body of Christ.

Later, everyone worshiped the Body of Christ and the Patriarch gave the blessing with the Eucharist in three places: “the threshold of the hermitage, before the altar of Mary Magdalene and in the Franciscan chapel of the Apparition,” detailed the CTS.