Orvieto, Italy is a special place for many reasons. Its history. Its architecture. Its magnificent location sitting high on a hill overlooking the valleys of the southern Umbria region, and its many other qualities. Most importantly is the majestic duomo and the treasure housed inside of this towering basilica, the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. The miracle which is directly correlated to the Feast of Corpus Christi.
I’ve lost track of how many times my husband and I have stayed in, or hosted groups, in Orvieto. We’ve also had the blessing of being able to venerate the Corporal, on which the Host bled during a Mass in 1263 that was celebrated about 30 minutes south of Orvieto. The priest celebrating that Mass at the Church of Santa Cristina in Bolsena, brought the Corporal to the Pope who was in Orvieto at the time, and it has remained there ever since.
Each year on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the town celebrates with many different and elaborate events including colorful parades, music in the streets, but most importantly the beautiful procession that winds through the streets for over two hours on the morning of Corpus Christi. At the end of the procession, which includes locals dressed in medieval costumes, giant tapestries with scenes painted on the walls of the chapel where the Corporal is kept, beautifully colored flags representing the regions of the town, dozens of local priests, deacons, and religious sisters, along with prayers and hymns that are broadcast from speakers placed throughout the procession route. The highlight, of course, is the Corporal which is reverently carried under a canopy, as everyone makes their way up the Via del Duomo toward the church.
We had heard about this procession for years, but our travel plans never seemed to provide the opportunity to experience it. All that changed this past weekend as we happened to be in the area for another event, and then made sure to get to Orvieto for the feast day.
If you’re ever in central Italy in early June, please try and make this event. The pageantry, and especially the expression of faith, will leave you speechless. Even though we have been to other festivals around Italy, including those marking the Feast of Corpus Christi, nothing compares to this. It’s awe inspiring regardless of one’s faith, and worth the little effort of waiting for an hour or so for this procession to begin.
We were so moved, my husband and I decided, since our part-time home in Italy is only an hour from Orvieto, that God willing, we will do our best to make it an annual experience.