On Sunday 22nd, the municipality celebrated another of the most important events in the liturgical calendar: Corpus Christi. A feast held every year since the 13th century to venerate the Eucharist and to exalt the doctrine of the Body of Christ. The celebration took place in Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, La Cala and Calahonda. It is not only a religious celebration, but also a social, cultural and festive event that we continue to commemorate, one in which children who have recently received their First Communion play a particularly important role.

The celebration involves visiting the different altars to show adoration for Christ and to experience a moment of connection with the divine. But before this, the events began with the celebration of Mass.

Mijas Pueblo

In Mijas Pueblo, the festivities began with Mass at the Church of the Inmaculada Concepción, attended by councillor Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), a member of the government team, who explained that "what sets the village apart from other urban centres is that the streets are very narrow, most of them are decorated and there are numerous altars".

Numerous neighbours and faithful accompanied the Monstrance, carried by Father Hermán Marcel Lunar, on a procession through the historic streets of Mijas Pueblo, accompanied by the sounds of the Mijas Music Band. The novelty this year was that the celebration took place in the afternoon instead of the morning. As the parish priest emphasised during the Eucharist, the aim is to exalt this sacrament, which this year, being a Jubilee year, carries a message full of hope.

 

Las Lagunas

Corpus Christi was also celebrated in Las Lagunas. Early in the morning, residents gathered at the church of San Manuel González to mark this festivity. Music and joy filled the celebration, which was also attended by children who received their First Communion this year, thus placing the spotlight on newly initiated believers.

The event was attended by many neighbours, including some political representatives such as Juan José Torres Trella (PP), a councillor from the Mijas government team, who explained that "Corpus Christi is celebrated sixty days after the Resurrection and one week after the Holy Trinity, so that all Christians can enjoy accompanying the Body of Christ. The residents of Las Lagunas have done so in a grand procession with children and families, enjoying a wonderful day together".

The Brotherhood of Jesús Vivo was also deeply involved in the procession of the Monstrance, setting up an altar with their sacred items at the entrance to their brotherhood house. All in all, it was a day that both young and old will remember fondly.

 

La Cala

La Cala was also decorated on Sunday, 22nd of June, to celebrate the exaltation of the Eucharist. The streets of this seaside village welcomed the Monstrance with joy, faith and devotion.

The commemoration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ began in the morning with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Church of Santa Teresa. Families and children listened attentively to the words of parish priest Juan Baena. It was a very special moment for the children, who once again took centre stage after receiving this sacrament for the first time. 

After the Mass, the priest carried the Monstrance through the streets of the area, stopping at the three altars set up for the adoration of the Lord. Supporting the celebration was the deputy mayor of La Cala, Juan Carlos Maldonado (PMP), who stated that “traditions are being upheld, as shown by the altars set up in some areas here. Therefore, the Town Hall is supporting our traditions with the utmost respect, sharing the experience with our neighbours and enjoying this fantastic part of the town, La Cala".

 

Calahonda

Calahonda also commemorated the feast of Corpus Christi in its own unique way, as it always does, with a Eucharist celebrated at the Church of San Miguel Arcángel in two languages: Spanish and English, and without children dressed for their First Communion attire. For the parish priest of this church, Juan Baena, it is a day that highlights the richness that exists within a single parish and community. "Here in Calahonda, we have a very different reality that also reflects the diversity within this church, where we normally celebrate Mass in English at 12:15 hours and then in Spanish at 13:15 hours. Today, we brought these two communities together in a single celebration, with readings in both languages, songs… and afterwards, a procession around the church. It is a beautiful way for people to feel represented and involved in the celebration. "Regarding this liturgical act, he noted that "what we celebrate is the presence of Jesus in the church through the Eucharist and the bread and wine."

To support these traditions, the event was attended by the first deputy mayor, Juan Carlos Cuevas Dawson (Vox), who stated that "here in Calahonda there are many Spanish and English-speaking parishioners, and in the residential we are seeing more and more Spanish residents. It is an important day for Catholics, and we have come here to celebrate it”. It is also worth highlighting that this event was the perfect way to end a very special year for the youngest members of the church, and an example of the coexistence between the different cultures in the municipality.

 

Share it with this link: https://mijasint.com/?a=34933