Monstrance

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Part of the series on Communion
also known as "The Eucharist" or "The Lord's Supper"

Theology Transubstantiation Consecration Words of Institution Real Presence Impanation Memorialism Consubstantiation Sacramental Union Transignification
Theologies contrasted Eucharist (Catholic Church) Anglican Eucharistic theology
Important theologians Paul ·Aquinas Augustine · Calvin Chrysostom · Cranmer Luther · Zwingli
Related Articles Christianity Christianity and alcohol Catholic Historic Roots Closed and Open Table Divine Liturgy Eucharistic adoration Eucharistic discipline First Communion Infant Communion Mass · Sacrament Sanctification

Neo-Gothic "solar" monstrance at the hermitage church of Warfhuizen.

Monstrance is the vessel used in the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and Anglo-Catholic Churches to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host, during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The word monstrance comes from the Latin word monstrare, meaning "to show". It is closely related to the English word demonstrate, meaning "to show clearly". Both words share a common root.^[1] In Latin, the monstrance is known as an Ostensorium (from ostendere "to show") and monstre/monstral (England).

In the Catholic tradition, at the moment of Consecration the elements (or "gifts" as they are termed for liturgical purposes) are transformed (literally transubstantiated) into the actual Body and Blood of Christ. Catholic doctrine holds that the elements are not only spiritually transformed, but rather are actually (substantially) transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The elements retain the appearance or "accidents" of bread and wine, but are indeed the actual Body and Blood of Christ. This is what is meant by Real Presence; the actual, physical presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Because of this belief, the consecrated elements are given the same adoration and devotion that is accorded to Christ.

Because Catholics believe that Christ is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, the reserved sacrament serves as a focal point of devotion. During Eucharistic adoration, the sacrament is displayed in the monstrance, typically on the altar. When not being displayed, the reserved sacrament is locked in the Tabernacle.

In the service of Benediction, the priest blesses the people with the Eucharist displayed in the monstrance. This blessing differs from the priest's blessing, as it is seen to be the blessing of Christ, rather than that of the individual priest.

The monstrance is usually very elaborate in design, with the preferred form being a sunburst. (Instructio Clement., 5) Most often made of gold or other precious metal, and decorated with intricate sculpture work or other highly detailed designs. The monstrance is often made by hand by local or regional artists.

Before the current design, earlier "little shrines" of various shapes and sizes were used in different churches. The exposition of the monstrance during Benediction is accompanied by chanting or singing of the Tantum Ergo.