Benediction

Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church

Benediction

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a devotion practices in the Catholic Church where a priest or deacon blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, after a period of adoration.

The consecrated Host is placed in a Monstrance, which is an article of liturgical furnishings designed to display the Body of Christ for public veneration. It is placed on the altar while a hymn is sung.

This is followed by readings from the Bible, prayers, songs, and a time of silent prayer. A brief homily may be given. Incense is used to give greater solemnity to the ceremony; it symbolizes our prayers rising to heaven and the influence of the Holy Spirit upon the assembled people. At the end of this time of prayer and adoration, the priest or deacon raises the monstrance above the altar and gives benediction (blessing) to the people by making the sign of the Cross with the monstrance.

This ceremony is considered to be an extension of the Sacrifice of the Mass, and an opportunity for the people to adore Christ, who is physically present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the consecrated Host on the altar.