Corpus Christi in Aschaffenburg: 450 believers celebrate hope and community

Corpus Christi in Aschaffenburg: 450 believers celebrate hope and community

June 19, 2025 was all about faith and community: around 450 believers took part in the Corpus Christi procession in Aschaffenburg, which was opened by the monastery pastor, Dean Martin Heim, on the monastery square in front of the impressive monastery basilica of Saints Peter and Alexander. Among those present were Mayor Jürgen Herzing as well as Mayors Jessica Euler and Eric Fehler, who gave the event an additional festive setting. Flag delegations from the guilds and church associations enriched the image of the procession, which had the motto “Pilgrims of Hope” - a guiding principle that also characterized the processions in Würzburg and Schweinfurt.

In his homily, Dean Heim emphasized that the motto of the Holy Year, established by Pope Francis, should encourage people to live as “pilgrims of hope.” He also recalled the words of Jesus, which he quoted from the Gospel of the day: “Give them something to eat!” This highlighted the importance of selfless life and solidarity, a particularly important value in times of crises and tragedies, such as the recent serious attack in Aschaffenburg.

Corpus Christi: A Festive Expression of Faith

The Corpus Christi procession traditionally leads to various altars, and the Aschaffenburg celebration was no exception. After the opening on Stiftsplatz, the path led to the Mother of God Parish Church in front of Johannisburg Castle. Here Father Nicola Curcio spoke about the term “covenant” in the context of the Eucharist, while Father Walenty Cugier discussed the Emmaus disciples and their new hope. Ordinary councilor Pastor Robert Sauer also spoke and focused on the statement “I am the way” from the farewell speeches of the evangelist John.

The musical accompaniment of the procession was provided by the talented brass band Melomania from Obernau, which created a festive atmosphere. Hard-working helpers from the Herz Jesu parish also created a beautiful flower picture with the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, which visually enhanced the entire event. The return route via Herstallstrasse led back to Stiftsplatz, where Dean Heim gave the final blessing and sang “Te Deum laudamus”.

Tradition and history

Corpus Christi has a long tradition that dates back to the 13th century. The festival was started by Juliana of Liège, who had a vision about a missing festival of veneration of the Eucharist. It was first introduced in 1246 and found its place throughout the Catholic Church in 1264 under Pope Urban IV. The central message of the festival is the presence of Jesus in the Memorial and is kept alive through processions and public celebrations. In predominantly Catholic regions of Germany, Corpus Christi is even a public holiday.

The festival was also celebrated in Würzburg. Bishop Dr. Franz Jung celebrated a pontifical mass in St. Kilian's Cathedral, which was musically provided by the cathedral choir under the direction of Alexander Rüth. The Eucharistic blessing was given at various stations in the procession that led through the city center.

The importance of Corpus Christi as an event that affects the community is reflected in the broad participation of believers who show solidarity despite the challenges of life. The Feast of Corpus Christi remains a vibrant expression of faith and hope in the community.