Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

What it is

Benediction is a rite in which the Blessed SacramentGlossaryOne of seven efficacious signs of grace instituted by Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Orders, Matrimony. is exposed (often in a monstrance), the faithful adore, hymns such as O Salutaris Hostia and Tantum Ergo are sung, and the priest or deacon blesses the people with the Host itself. It frequently concludes a period of adorationGlossaryPrayer before the Blessed Sacrament—reserved in the tabernacle or exposed in a monstrance—adoring Christ truly present. or follows VespersGlossaryEvening Prayer of the Divine Office—psalms, a New Testament canticle, intercessions, and often a hymn at day's decline..

What it is not

Benediction is not MassGlossaryThe Church's central act of worship—the Sacrifice of Calvary made present, and the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood.. It does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. It is not a concert of Latin hymns with the Sacrament as backdrop—the hymns serve the Presence. It is not optional theater; when celebrated, it is true liturgical worship of Christ.

How a Catholic encounters it

Attend when your parish offers it—often Sunday evening. Kneel. Sing. Receive the blessing in silence. Make the Divine Praises with attention. Then go home differently than you arrived: you were blessed by Christ Himself, not by a slogan.