Homily of then-Archbishop Justin Rigali on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 2, 2002 in the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis.

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi gives us the great opportunity to renew our holy Catholic faith in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is the Sacrament given us by our Lord Jesus Christ which re-presents his Sacrifice on Calvary.  In it Jesus also gives us his Body and Blood as our food and drink.  In this Sacrament he likewise remains present with us even after the celebration is complete.

In the Eucharist, the Church offers adoration to the Lord—the adoration that can be given only to the living God.  To celebrate worthily Corpus Christi is to live the Eucharist in its full meaning and to possess eternal life as Jesus promised us.