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Question
21: What is a Monstrance?
Answer: From the
Latin “To Show.” This is a sacred vessel used to display the Eucharist for
adoration. It is usually gold, often decorated with precious stones with rays
emanating from a glass in the center beneath which the Sacred Host is reserved.
The monstrance is used for the ceremony of blessing with the Eucharist known as
Benediction.
Benediction
is a paraliturgical Eucharistic service that began in the time of the Black
Plague, when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for public adoration. Soon it
became a custom before returning the Blessed Sacrament to “hiding” in the
tabernacle to lift It in benediction upon the adorers. A monstrance is usually
used, bur not necessary.
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