…I’m trying to understand this ritual. I started by reading a few religious sites. Although I gained something from reading them, they used terminology that I still don’t understand and made historical references that I don’t know much about. I decided to simplify things a bit. Yes, I went to Wikipedia. Although I don’t take what I read as written in stone, it’s a start.

Here’s the link: Wikipedia: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

Here’s what I am gathering. There are obviously steps that are taken to alter the host before it undergoes transubstantiation. The host has already been consecrated, which I understand to mean that it has been dedicated for a certain purpose, and becomes the Blessed Sacrament. The host is originally kept in the tabernacle and then, during the ceremony, the priest performs the exposition which involves placing the host in a monstrance. This is when we sang O Salutaris Hostia, which I had no idea was written by St. Thomas Aquinas! Then there is an opening prayer. Then a period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which is usually performed in silence. The priest exposes the host to incense while the congregation sings Tantum Ergo. The priest then performs the Benediction and the host will ultimately be placed back in the tabernacle.

Now, if I am understanding all of this correctly, the Blessed Sacrament will remain in the tabernacle until the priest converts it to the body and blood of Christ.

I’m wondering why I never saw this service at my childhood parish, or anywhere else for that matter. It makes me wonder if this rite was previously performed privately from the congregation, but the Latin Mass has changed this???

I also was mistaken as to why you kneel/genuflect before you enter and after you leave the pew. I thought it was in honor of the Crucifix. No!…It’s in honor of the Blessed Sacrament! I also didn’t realize that one kneels on the right knee…never the left.