Corpus Christi Procession – Mainz Cathedral and Old Town

The Corpus Christi procession in Mainz is one of the most significant liturgical festivals of the diocese. The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ will be celebrated in 2026 on Thursday, June 4.

Pontifical Mass in the Cathedral

The Pontifical Mass in Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin will begin at 9:00 AM. The liturgy will be led by Bishop Peter Kohlgraf, who, together with the Cathedral Chapter and Mainz clergy, will celebrate the solemn Holy Mass. Mainz Cathedral, one of the three Rhenish Imperial Cathedrals, offers an impressive backdrop with its Romanesque interior, over 1,000 years old.

Procession through the Old Town

Afterwards, the procession will proceed through Mainz's Old Town. With the Blessed Sacrament in a golden monstrance, carried by the bishop under a canopy (baldachin), the procession moves through the historic streets and alleys. Clergy, altar servers, representatives of the parishes, church associations, the Cathedral Chapter, and the city community are part of the procession. On Liebfrauenplatz, the bishop will impart the solemn sacramental blessing, overlooking the Old Town.

Musical Performance

The musical performance is one of the highlights of the day. The Mainz Cathedral Choir, the Girls' Choir of the Cathedral and St. Quintin, and the Cathedral Wind Ensemble will perform. The overall musical direction is by Cathedral Music Director Prof. Karsten Storck; Cathedral Organist Prof. Daniel Beckmann will accompany on the grand cathedral organ. The liturgy thus becomes a sonorous fusion of Gregorian chant, classical choral masses, and modern church music.

Mainz and its Tradition

Mainz has been the seat of an important archbishopric since the early Middle Ages and is known as "aurea Moguntia", the "golden Mainz". The Corpus Christi festival has been celebrated here with a procession since the late Middle Ages. To this day, the Mainz Corpus Christi procession attracts thousands of believers and onlookers and is a living expression of Catholic tradition in the state capital.