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Main article: Eucharist (Catholic Church)

In Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic churches , Benediction usually refers to the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In Anglican churches, it is typically combined with Evening Prayer (and often is in Roman Catholic parishes as well).

Incensing of the Blessed Sacrament during Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and IV Advent Vespers

This involves the Exposition or display of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance set upon the altar. A significant portion of this liturgy includes singing the ancient latin hymns written by St. Thomas Aquinas, O Salutaris Hostia and the Tantum Ergo, silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the recitation of the Divine Praises,

Near the end of this liturgy is the Benediction proper. The celebrant holds the monstrance wearing a humeral veil covering his shoulders, arms and hands. The celebrant blesses the faithful with the Eucharist by tracing the sign of the cross with the monstrance held steadily upright before him. This liturgy is typically a rite unto itself but can be celebrated at the close of other liturgies.

The priest or deacon brings the consecrated host from the tabernacle and places it in the monstrance (which has already been placed on the altar) while the faithful sing O Salutaris Hostia. The faithful kneel at the moment of exposition.

When there is an extended adoration over the course of the day or days, an opening prayer suitable for the occasion collecting and offering the praise and the prayers of the faithful may be offered by the priest or deacon.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is almost always done in silence. Where readings, songs, psalms, devotional prayers (such as the rosary, litany or a novena prayer) or a homily is incorporated, there should still be lengthy periods of sacred silence for the faithful to be present to Christ in the Eucharist without distraction. Solemn Vespers or Evensong is often sung in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Bringing Adoration to a close and in preparation for the benediction while all kneel, the priest or deacon incenses the exposed Eucharist while the faithful sing the Tantum Ergo.

After the incensing the priest stands and dons the humeral veil, moves to the back of the altar and lifting the monstrance high above his head traces a large cross.

After the benediction the priest removes the humeral veil and while kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament leads the faithful in the recitation or chanting of the Divine Praises. An additional hymn may be sung while the priest returns the Eucharist to the tabernacle. This is the conclusion of the Rite of Benedction.

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