Introduction

Toward the beginning to the thirteenth century, great emphasis was being placed on the truth of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Although Catholics had always believed that Jesus is actually present in the Eucharist, the fact was now being stressed to counteract some false ideas that were prevalent at the time. To correct mistaken notions and even superstition in regard to the doctrine, the Church fostered a renewal in the faith and devotion toward the Real Presence. In 1246, the feast of Corpus Christi, honoring the Body of Our Lord was established. Also in this period, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, composed his beautiful hymns, praising the Holy Eucharist.