Corpus Christi celebrations in Poland (gallery)

The feast of Corpus Christi (Boze Cialo), the day on which the Catholic Church commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, is celebrated with great pomp and solemnity throughout Poland and Polonia. As the Eucharist is the central feature of Catholicism, made present in the Sacrifice of Holy Mass, this Feast is of enormous importance. The celebration of Corpus Christi, common to the pre-Vatican II American Catholic church, seems foreign to many contemporary Americans. However, this perception is generally out of touch with world Catholicism, wherein this feast is celebrated vigorously, esp. throughout Europe, including Poland and Polonia worldwide. Three important rituals form the core of Polish Roman Catholic Corpus Christi devotions: Corpus Christi Altars (Bozy Domek), Greenery, and the Corpus Christi Procession (Procesja Bozego Ciala).

(from http://acweb.colum.edu/users/agunkel/homepage/corpuschristi/corpusintro.htm)

The flower strewn pathway and the joyous praising children brings this hymn to mind, even though we normally associate it with the Sunday of the Passion:

"All Glory, Laud, and Honor"
by St. Theodulph of Orleans, c. 821
Translated by John M. Neale, 1818-1866

1. All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest,
The King and Blessed One.

2. All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
The company of angels
Are praising Thee on high,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.

3. All glory, Iaud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
The people of the Hebrews
With psalms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before Thee we present.

4. All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
To Thee, before Thy Passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.

5. All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #160
Text: Matt 21:16
Author: St. Theodulph of Orleans, c. 821
Translated by: John M. Neale, 1854, alt.
Titled: Gloria, laus et honor
Composer: Melchior Teschner, 1613
Tune: Valet will ich dir geben

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