Pardon my ignorance

[Cyclophile]

I’m a convert (have been for quite a while) and during the past year, I have been attending mass at my local parish that is done in the Tridentine manner.

I’m still having a time of it keeping up with my missal but that’s not the question here… I attended mass yesterday evening, there was a ceremony (all in latin, of course) where the crucifix was removed from its place above the tabernacle and then replaced with a gold star-shaped statue with a clear center, prayers were said and incense was spread about. At the end of the ceremony, the object was removed and replaced with the crucifix.

It was a lovely ceremony but… what did I witness?

 

[Bbigam]

You just participated in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Did the priest hold up the “star-shaped thing” and make a large Sign of the Cross with it? If so, that was Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The star-shaped thing (it’s actually a sunburst) is a monstrance, also known as an ostensorium, a sacred vessel for displaying the Blessed Sacrament - a large consecrated Host - for all to see and adore, the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Here are several links for more information on Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament:
newadvent.org/cathen/02465b.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benediction_of_the_Blessed_Sacrament
thesacredheart.com/bene.htm
ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchd2.htm

I hope this helps. I love Benediction!

 

[Cyclophile]

Ah, thanks much.

 

[outta_mi_faze]

Ignorance is seldom pardonable, too much incense .

 

[Chatter163]

Benediction is not limited to parishes that celebrate the Tridentine Mass. It is used in the current rite, as well. Some parishes offer it regularly, while others do so only occasionally.

 

[deen_a_dnabsuh]

Those catholics do like their tchotkes,oy vey the incense sends me into asphyxiation,means to tell ya,stay home read a nice book.

 

[Cyclophile]

Those catholics do like their tchotkes,oy vey the incense sends me into asphyxiation,means to tell ya,stay home read a nice book.

Troll much?

 

[Heliotropium]

It was a lovely ceremony but… what did I witness?

The Creator of the Universe and nothing short of Heaven on earth:heaven:

 

[Jesus_saves123]

HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN GODS WAY!

jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html

 

[achmafooma]

Indeed; as others have said, you participated in Adoration and/or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

My Parish has a Holy Hour once-per-week where this is done (in current ordinary rite, not the Tridentine rite). We also have an Adoration Chapel, where the Monstrance and the Consecrated Host are there for Adoration for much of the week.

Being in the presence of Christ, present body, blood, soul, and divinity in the host, is a great time for prayer.

God bless you!