Bolsena, the town of the Eucharistic Miracle that gave rise to the Feast of Corpus Christi in the 13th century, continues to preserve and pass on one of the most profound testimonies of Eucharistic devotion. Here, in the Basilica of Saint Christina, the Sacred Stone stained with the blood of the miracle that occurred in 1263 is still preserved, an event that marked the history of the Church and continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world.
On the eve of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, which will be held on June 7th, the Infioratori of Bolsena have created a new floral artwork dedicated to the Eucharist, the heart of the Christian faith and a universal symbol of communion among peoples. The artwork will be inaugurated during the traditional Mass of the Infioratori and will accompany the celebrations of the city’s most important feast.
Unlike the ephemeral floral carpets that characterize the procession route, this floral panel will remain on display in the days following Corpus Christi, allowing pilgrims, visitors, and tourists to admire it and reflect on the message it conveys.
Through the language of flowers, the artwork recalls the profound meaning of the Eucharist: a gift that transcends all boundaries, unites different cultures and peoples, and invites everyone to build relationships founded on fraternity, solidarity, and peace.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is the sacrament in which bread and wine, “fruit of the earth and work of human hands,” truly become the Body and Blood of Christ. The term refers to an act of thanksgiving and encompasses the meaning of nourishment for all humanity, for all the peoples of the Earth.
The Bread of Sharing
Breaking the bread symbolizes self-giving love. Just as many grains of wheat are ground and united together to form a single loaf, in the same way believers are called to form one community united in brotherly love.
The Gift for All Peoples
In the Eucharist there are no barriers. It is the food that transcends every cultural or geographical division, offering salvation and communion to all the peoples of the earth. It represents hope in a world where every person can find both material and spiritual nourishment and, in turn, become “BROKEN BREAD” for others, promoting PEACE, SOLIDARITY, AND JUSTICE.
