What is Eucharistic Adoration: Part 4 - What is a Monstrance?

Summary

In the final installment of the video series on Eucharistic adoration, Deacon Matt explains the significance of the monstrance used during adoration. He discusses its design, including the sunburst symbolizing Christ as the light of the world, and the seven gemstones representing completion. The eight-pointed star reflects the divine and the new creation ushered in by Christ. Additionally, he highlights the pelican, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, and the role of the stand in displaying the Eucharist. This session aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of Eucharistic adoration, inviting viewers to participate with deeper intentionality.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The monstrance, from the Latin 'demonstrate', is designed to display the Eucharist during adoration.
• 🌞 The sunburst design of the monstrance symbolizes Christ as the light of the world and the dawn of a new creation.
• 🔢 The seven gemstones on the monstrance represent the number of completion, relating to the seven days of creation in Genesis.
• ⭐ The eight-pointed star signifies the new age initiated by Christ, known as the 'eighth day', symbolizing renewal and divine presence.
• ✝️ The cross atop the monstrance is a prominent symbol of Christ's crucifixion and serves as a reminder of His sacrifice.
• 🐦 The pelican in the monstrance represents self-sacrifice, akin to Christ nourishing believers with His blood through the Eucharist.
• 🔍 The stand of the monstrance elevates the Eucharist for visibility and is used for processions during Benediction.
• 👐 During Benediction, the humeral veil signifies that blessings come from Christ in the Eucharist, not from the minister's own hands.
• 💖 The monstrance is personally significant to Deacon Matt as it was donated in memory of his mother-in-law, enhancing the spiritual connection.
• 🙏 This video series aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Eucharistic Adoration, encouraging participation and intentionality.

Q & A

What is a monstrance?

A monstrance is a vessel used in Eucharistic Adoration to display the Eucharist, allowing worshippers to see and adore the presence of Christ in the sacrament.

Why is the term 'monstrance' used?

The term 'monstrance' comes from the Latin word for 'to show' or 'demonstrate,' indicating its purpose to display the Eucharist.

What does the sunburst design on the monstrance symbolize?

The sunburst design symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world and the dawn of a new creation, reflecting the idea that Christ illuminates our lives.

What is the significance of the seven gemstones on the monstrance?

The seven gemstones symbolize completion, referencing the seven days of creation as described in Genesis, highlighting God's perfect creation.

What does the eight-pointed star represent?

The eight-pointed star represents the 'eighth day' of creation, signifying the new age initiated by Christ, which is outside of time.

How does the concept of the 'eighth day' relate to Christian worship?

In Christian worship, Sunday is both the first day of the week and the 'eighth day,' commemorating Christ's resurrection and representing a new beginning in the age of the Church.

What is the meaning of the pelican in the context of the monstrance?

The pelican symbolizes Christ's sacrifice, as it is believed that it pierces its breast to feed its young with its blood, paralleling how Christ nourishes believers with His blood through the Eucharist.

What role does the stand play in the use of the monstrance?

The stand elevates the monstrance for visibility during adoration and allows it to be carried during processions and benedictions.

What is the significance of the humeral veil during benediction?

The humeral veil signifies that the blessing is given through the presence of Christ in the Eucharist rather than from the minister's own hands, emphasizing the divine source of the blessing.

What personal connection does Deacon Matt have with the monstrance?

Deacon Matt shares that the monstrance was donated in memory of his mother-in-law, Marta Conway, and he finds comfort in the thought that she is spiritually present during adoration.