monstrance
Noun: 1. A liturgical vessel in the Roman Catholic Church: A monstrance is a sacred container, typically crafted from precious metals like gold or silver, used to hold and publicly display the consecrated Eucharistic host (the Blessed Sacrament) for the purpose of adoration and veneration by the faithful.
The word "monstrance" is used specifically in a Roman Catholic liturgical context. It refers to the physical object used during ceremonies of Eucharistic adoration, such as Benediction. - The priest placed the consecrated host inside the ornate monstrance. - During the procession, the monstrance was carried under a canopy.
- Theology and Ritual: The monstrance is central to the practice of Eucharistic adoration, symbolizing the manifestation (from Latin , "to show") of Christ's presence. Its use is governed by specific liturgical rubrics.
- Art and Design: Historically, monstrances are often elaborate works of religious art, featuring rays of light emanating from a central glass compartment (the "luna" or "lunette") which holds the host.
- Ostensorium: A synonym for "monstrance," derived directly from Latin.
- Exposition: The liturgical rite of displaying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance.
- Benediction: A service which typically concludes with the blessing of the congregation with the Eucharist displayed in the monstrance.
- Ostensorium (liturgical synonym)
- Display vessel (descriptive term)
The term "monstrance" has only one primary, specialized meaning within the context of Roman Catholic liturgy and sacred objects. It is not used in a general or secular sense.
- (Roman Catholic Church) a vessel (usually of gold or silver) in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration
- proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion