Benediction

[ppcpilot]

questions about Benediction:

Why does the priest have to put on a specal garment at the end to pick up the vessel holding the Blessed Sacrament, when before that point, like when the Sacrament is inserted into it’s ‘display case (what is that called?)’ he doesn’t use it?

Also, from where does the priest typically get the Blessed Sacrament that is used in Exposition and Adoration? Is it the same one used for 100 years, or is a new one concecrated each mass?

Thanks!

 

[Marie]

ppcpilot:

questions about Benediction:

Why does the priest have to put on a specal garment at the end to pick up the vessel holding the Blessed Sacrament, when before that point, like when the Sacrament is inserted into it’s ‘display case (what is that called?)’ he doesn’t use it?

Also, from where does the priest typically get the Blessed Sacrament that is used in Exposition and Adoration? Is it the same one used for 100 years, or is a new one concecrated each mass?

Thanks!

A good starting point to answer your questions is located here.

The Blessed Sacrament and Benediction

 

[DJJG]

I read that the “Humeral veil” that the priest wears and wraps aroung the monstrance, when he elevated the Blessde Sacrament, in the monstrance, is used to show that the blessing is being done by Christ, himself, and not from Chirst through the priest; since the eucharist, in the monstrance, is Christ, in person.

The host in the monstrance is usually changed every month or so, because tha presence of Christ is there until there is coruption or degrading of the host. The host is replaced before this can happen. At the least the host wpuld have to be replaced, after Good Friday, since there are not supposed to be any host in the tabernacle, or adoration, on Good Friday.

The old host is consumed by the priest.

 

[ppcpilot]

Excellent! I got blessed by Jesus Himself today!

Thanks for the insight. It makes this service so much more special.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I have been told that the humeral veil, at one time, also had a practical aspect. The Sacrament was often carried in long processions in a large, ornate, and heavy, Monstrance. The humeral veil would transfer some of the weight from the priest’s arms to his shoulders, making the procession less of a penance.

Also note that, in the Tridentine Solemn High Mass, the sub-deacon wears the humeral veil throughout the mass so that his hands never touch the chalice or paten. Thus churches once had humeral veils in all liturgical colors.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

Benediction can also also be given by a deacon. He wears the “Copa.” This way the hands do not come in direct contact with the monstrance.

Jesus is the same; Yesterday, Today, and Forever.