In 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted the feast of Corpus Christi, a special feast day to recognize and to promote the great gift of the Blessed Sacrament. A year earlier the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena (north of Rome) had happened and confirmed. He commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose a Mass and an office for the Liturgy of the Hours honoring the holy Eucharist. St. Thomas Aquinas also composed the beautiful Eucharistic hymns “Panis Angelicus,” “Pange Lingua,” “O Salutaris Hostia” and “Tantum Ergo.” Around the world, brothers and sisters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem are called every year to partake in the commemoration and celebration of this most generous miracle.
Today, members from our Lieutenancy took part in the commemoration and celebration of this most generous miracle. The mass was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, Mdina and was presided by our Grand Prior and Archbishop of Malta, H.G. Mgr. Charles J. Scicluna.
Their Excellencies Roberto Buontempo and Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, EOHSJ Lieutenant for Malta and SMOM (Malta) President respectively, led their members during the celebration.
Photo credit to Chev. Ian Noel Pace