Benediction arose in the centuries after the institution of the feast of Corpus Christi in 1264, when the Eucharist began to be carried in vessels like the monstrance we use today. It is a liturgical rite of the Church, not a private devotion, and is governed by the Church's liturgical books; the blessing is given by a priest or deacon, and exposition and Benediction are always ordered to the Mass, never set in competition with it. Adoration and Benediction may not take place at the same time as Mass in the same part of the church.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance and incensed while O Salutaris Hostia is sung. A period of adoration follows, with Scripture, silence, hymns, or prayers. Toward the end the Tantum Ergo is sung and the Sacrament is incensed again; the minister then sings or says the versicle 'You have given them bread from heaven' with its response and the prayer. Vested in humeral veil, the priest or deacon takes the monstrance and makes the sign of the cross over the people in silence — no words accompany the blessing. The Divine Praises are then said, and the Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle as a hymn is sung. Kneel for the exposition, the Tantum Ergo, and the blessing.

About 20 minutes

eucharistic