Thursday marks Corpus Christi: parades are taking place in cities all over Poland and shops are closed. It is a Christian feast day observed on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday.

The major event in the Polish capital was led by the metropolitan of Warsaw archbishop Kazimierz Nycz, following mass at the Holy Cross basilica. The faithful also stopped at Pilsudski Square to pray at the site of the newly unveiled monument recalling the famous freedom inspiring homily of John Paul II during his first papal pilgrimage to then-communist Poland in 1979.

The observance of Corpus Christi commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The celebration begins with the Eucharist liturgy followed by a procession, which stops at four special altars lined up along a particular route. The images of saints are carried across the main streets of cities, towns and villages throughout the country.

Participants stop by religious locations, such as crosses and temporary shrines adorned with birch twigs set up along the roads. The feast was introduced in Poland in 1320, whereas the first Corpus Christi procession in the Catholic Church was organized by bishop Robert in the parish of Liege in 1246. (aba/ss/mmj)