A monstrance is an ornate church vessel, usually made of gold or silver, with a central glass chamber called a luna. It holds a consecrated Eucharistic host upright and visible, especially for Catholic adoration, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and Corpus Christi processions.
What Does a Monstrance Hold?
Most commonly, it displays a large round wheat host. Catholics call the consecrated bread the Blessed Sacrament. When the host is exposed for adoration, it is placed in the circular luna, between two panes of glass. Other vessels have different jobs: a tabernacle stores the reserved Eucharist, while a ciborium is a covered cup used to hold Communion hosts.
Monstrances may stand on an altar or side table, or be mounted on a processional pole. Their frames can be gold, silver, or both, with rays, angels, vines, and other Christian imagery. The word “monstrance” comes from Latin monstrare, “to show”; the vessel is also called an ostensorium.
Where Is a Monstrance Used?
Roman Catholic churches use it most visibly during Eucharistic adoration, when the Blessed Sacrament rests in a monstrance on an altar or stand and worshippers pray before it. A monstrance is also carried in Corpus Christi processions and used during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In that rite, the host is placed in the luna, the vessel is incensed, and the priest blesses the congregation while worshippers make the sign of the cross.
Some Anglican and Lutheran churches use a similar vessel for reserved Communion and Eucharistic devotion, especially in high-church or liturgical settings. Unlike a fixed tabernacle, a monstrance is generally portable and arranged to make the consecrated host clearly visible.
What Does the Display Mean?
Roman Catholics teach that the bread and wine become Christ’s Body and Blood through transubstantiation, while their visible appearances remain bread and wine. Adoration is therefore directed to Christ believed present under the appearance of bread; the gold vessel itself is not worshiped. Anglican and Lutheran churches hold differing views of Christ’s presence, so seeing a monstrance does not by itself identify the doctrine taught by a congregation.
What Should Visitors Expect?
If you enter a Catholic church or chapel while a monstrance is displayed, treat it with reverence. Bow or genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament, remain quiet, and follow posted directions. Do not touch the vessel or host, and ask before taking flash photographs. During Benediction, stand if others stand and make the sign of the cross when the priest blesses the congregation; receiving that blessing is optional.
At a procession, keep clear of the route and follow the organizers’ instructions. The guide to attending church for the first time offers broader etiquette for visitors. If you are unsure whether the Blessed Sacrament is exposed or how to behave, ask an usher or the parish office.