Corpus Christi in Fribourg

In Fribourg, in both the city and the countryside, Corpus Christi is a big celebration. Altars are set up on elaborately decorated altars of repose. After Mass, a procession starts out. The children who have taken their first communion that year are honoured, walking behind the priest (the Bishop of Fribourg) who makes his way forth step by solemn step, monstrance in hand. Then there is the local brass band and the political authorities. The procession stops in front of each altar to pray and sing and then returns to the church. Fête-Dieu in French and Fronleichnam in German, the Feast of the Body of Christ was instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264. Its purpose is to thank God solemnly for the Sacrement (60 days after Eastern).Program:The Mass beginns at 9 o'clock in the courtyard of the College St-Michaels followed by the procession around 10.30 am. Procession:Rue Joseph-Piller, rue de l'Hopital, place Georges-Python, benediction at the "Ancienne Poste", route des Alpes, route du Pont-Muré, rue Saint- Nicolas, Cathedral's porch.At Corpus Christi the shops and administration services are close.Fribourg Tourism and Region is open between 9.30am to 1.30pm