Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction – Part II

While emphasising the importance of the Mass, Pope Benedict XVI recommends various forms of Eucharistic devotion: personal prayer and periods of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, exposition and benediction, Eucharistic processions and Congresses which all aid in our spiritual union with our Lord.

Blessed Sacrament

Exposition and Benediction is again becoming a popular form of devotion after many years of disuse.  Exposition and Benediction is a liturgical service of exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with a blessing (Latin: Bene dictio) of the people.  

Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is not only a very old devotion in our Church, but one that highlights the fundamental mystery that our Lord is truly present, body and blood, in the Eucharist.  The faithful gaze at an unconsumed host from a previous Mass and worship the presence of the risen Christ in that host.  

Liturgy

After Vatican II, the Catholic Church revised its order of service for Benediction along with all the other liturgical rites.  The celebration has four parts: exposition, adoration, benediction and reposition.  

​During exposition, the minister goes to the tabernacle and removes a large host reserved there.  Placing it in a monstrance (a windowed liturgical vessel) the minister sets the object of our devotion on the altar.  A ciborium may also be used. 

If the monstrance is used there also needs to be four or six lighted candles and incense may be used while a Eucharistic hymn is sung.  If the ciborium is used at least two candles should be lighted and incense may be used. (C&WE85)

The period of Adoration may be lengthy with prayers, songs, readings, the rosary, a homily and/or silence, to foster a deeper spiritual communion with the Lord and to increase the understanding of the Eucharistic mystery.  

Blessing

If the minister is a priest or deacon, he may again incense the Blessed Sacrament as a song of praise is sung and then he blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, making the Sign of the Cross.  This blessing is the Benediction from which the service derives its name.  If a communion minister is presiding, he or she does not give a blessing (C&WE91). 

Finally, the minister removes the Blessed Sacrament from the monstrance and places it back in the tabernacle, an action called ‘reposition’.  An acclamation or song of praise may close the service.  

Exposition and Benediction enhances our devotion to the Eucharist and increases our desire for the Mass.  The main reason we have Eucharistic bread is to consume it in communion with one another and with Christ but it may also serve as an object of praise leading us to the treasure of the Mass.

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This article was originally published in ‘Prayer and Devotions’. ©  Diocese of Parramatta. 2007. Reprinted with permission.