Benediction - Definition and Overview

Although Benediction can be any blessing, it usually refers to the "Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament." The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament involves the display of the Eucharist in a monstrance set upon the altar. A significant portion of this liturgy includes singing, prayer (particularly the chanting of the Divine Praises), and the silent worship of Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist. At the end of this liturgy, the celebrant holds the monstrance using a humeral veil he wears over the shoulders and covering his hands. The celebrant blesses the congregation with the displayed Eucharist by tracing the sign of the cross with the monstrance held steadily upright before him. This liturgy can be a rite unto itself but is most often celebrated at the close of other liturgies.