Corpus Christi Weekend
Te Deum’s final concert weekend of the 16th season will feature three days of events, including collaborations with the Catholic Diocese Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The Sacred Banquet concert will be a meaningful and poignant end to Te Deum’s 16th season, with repertoire that includes the sacred texts of the Feast of Corpus Christi, Gregorian chant and contemporary works. The ensemble is honored to serve an important role in the Catholic Diocese’s celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi, as well as introduce guest conductor and organist Antanina Kalechyts to Kansas City audiences.
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, June 1st at Village Presbyterian Church (map)
7:30 pm – Te Deum’s Sacred Banquet concert – Learn More & Purchase Tickets
Sunday, June 2nd at various locations
1:00 pm – Corpus Christi Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (map) – Learn More
1:45 pm – Procession to Visitation Catholic Church and Benediction by Bishop Johnston (map)
2:45 pm – Break and Refreshments
3:00 pm – Lecture with Fr. Paul Turner
4:00 pm – Te Deum’s Sacred Banquet concert – Learn More & Purchase Tickets
Monday, June 3rd at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (map)
6:30 pm – Pre-concert Lecture with Fr. Paul Turner
7:00 pm- American Guild of Organists (AGO) concert featuring Organist Antanina Kalechyts and the Te Deum ensemble – Learn More
About the Feast of Corpus Christi
The celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi was established by Pope Urban IV in 1264, following the miracle of Bolsena, where a priest, doubting the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, witnessed the consecrated host bleeding during Mass. This event led to the papal decree establishing the feast, emphasizing the importance of honoring the Eucharist publicly. Over time, the celebration evolved to include elaborate processions and displays of devotion, becoming a significant event in the liturgical calendar for Catholics worldwide. The Feast of Corpus Christi remains a powerful testament to the Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and serves as a time of spiritual renewal and communal celebration.
From the polyphonic splendor of Renaissance composer Palestrina to 20th-century composers like Arvo Pärt and Olivier Messiaen, the Feast of Corpus Christi stands as a profound inspiration for numerous great works of church music throughout history, igniting composers’ imaginations to create masterpieces that elevate the solemnity and reverence of this celebration.
