Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

La Fête-Dieu – Religious observances were fundamental to life in Clare from the time of the first Acadian settlers. All major religious holidays were celebrated but the Fête-Dieu was the most popular because all members of the congregation could be active participants instead of mere spectators. Community elders have described processions numbering over one thousand and there are many photos of Fête-Dieu celebrations in the parishes of Clare.

The Fête-Dieu (Corpus Christi) is a Catholic and Anglican religious feast celebrated on the Thursday following the Trinity, sixty days after Easter. Currently, the official name of the feast in the Catholic Church is "Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ". The origins of the Feast date back to the 13th century; it was officially instituted by Pope Urban IV on September 8, 1264.

Traditionally, parishioners took part by praying and singing in the procession, following mass, through the streets of a neighborhood near their parish. The Eucharist, or Blessed Sacrament, was placed in a monstrance and held aloft by a member of the clergy under a canopy supported by church elders during the procession. Afterwards, parishioners would return to the church, where Benediction would usually be offered.

Topic: Community Life

Date: 1916

Reference: Harold Robichaud Collection Centre Acadien Series B, photo 30

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