Benediction

Although Benediction can be any blessing, it usually refers to the "Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament." The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament involves the display of the Eucharist in a monstrance set upon the altar. A significant portion of this liturgy includes singing, prayer, and the silent worship of Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist. At the end of this liturgy, the celebrant holds the monstrance using a humeral veil he wears over the shoulders and covering his hands. The celebrant blesses the congregation with the displayed Eucharist by tracing the sign of the cross while holding the monstrance steadily upright. This liturgy can be a rite unto itself but is most often at the close of other liturgical celebrations.