What Is a Monstrance? Monstrances, Reliquaries, and Processional Crosses Explained

A monstrance is a sacred vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for adoration, blessing, and certain solemn processions. Reliquaries and processional crosses are also important liturgical items, each serving a distinct role in Catholic worship and devotion. This guide explains the meaning and symbolism of the monstrance, along with reliquaries, relics, and processional items, in clear, practical terms for parishes, chapels, sacristans, and anyone learning about sacred furnishings.

What is a monstrance?

A monstrance is a liturgical vessel designed to hold and visibly display the consecrated host, especially during Eucharistic adoration and Benediction. The word is connected with the idea of “showing” or “displaying,” which is exactly its purpose: it allows the faithful to adore Christ present in the Eucharist while the host is reverently enclosed and elevated.

In many churches, the monstrance is one of the most recognizable sacred vessels because of its radiant shape. The central host is usually surrounded by glass and often framed by rays, a sunburst, a cross, or other Eucharistic imagery. While designs vary, the purpose remains the same: reverent exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

People are often trying to understand how these three items differ. A monstrance displays the Eucharist, a reliquary houses a relic, and a processional cross leads liturgical movement. All three are treated with dignity because they are connected to worship, prayer, and the sacred life of the Church.

The history of the monstrance is tied to Eucharistic devotion

The history of the monstrance developed alongside the Church’s public devotion to the Eucharist. As Eucharistic adoration became more widespread, the Church needed a vessel that could safely hold the consecrated host while making it visible to the faithful. Over time, monstrances became more elaborate, often reflecting the beauty and solemnity associated with the Real Presence.

A major historical connection is the feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the Body of Christ in the Eucharist. Corpus Christi processions helped shape the use of the monstrance outside the sanctuary, as the Blessed Sacrament was carried reverently through churches, streets, or parish grounds. These public acts of devotion emphasized both worship and witness.

Monstrances are also closely associated with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. During Benediction, the priest or deacon blesses the people with the Eucharist exposed in the monstrance, usually while wearing a humeral veil. This veil covers the shoulders and hands, expressing that the blessing comes from Christ in the Eucharist, not from the minister personally.

The main parts of a monstrance

Although monstrance design can range from simple to highly ornate, most monstrances share the same basic structure. Knowing these parts helps sacristans, parish staff, and buyers understand how the vessel functions.

Common parts include:

1. Luna or lunette: The small, usually circular holder that secures the consecrated host inside the monstrance.
2. Glass window: The transparent front and often back section that allows the host to be seen while protected.
3. Rays or sunburst: Decorative radiating elements that visually emphasize Christ as light and source of grace.
4. Stem: The vertical support that allows the monstrance to be held, lifted, or placed securely.
5. Base: The weighted bottom portion that provides stability when the monstrance rests on the altar or a stand.

These parts are not merely decorative. The luna or lunette must hold the host securely, the glass window must allow clear visibility, and the base must keep the vessel stable during exposition. The rays or sunburst contribute to the monstrance’s symbolism by drawing the eye toward the Eucharist at the center.

Monstrance designs and sizes vary by setting

Monstrance types are often described by their shape, scale, and decorative style. The familiar sunburst monstrance is especially common, with rays extending outward from the central glass. Other designs may be Gothic, modern, simple, chapel-sized, or richly ornamented with crosses, angels, enamel, stones, or Eucharistic symbols such as grapes, wheat, or the IHS monogram.

Size matters because the monstrance must suit the space and use. A small chapel may use a modest, lightweight monstrance that is easy to handle and proportionate to the altar. A large parish church or shrine may use a taller, more elaborate monstrance for solemn adoration, Benediction, or processions. Portable monstrances may be chosen when the item needs to be carried more frequently.

Practical considerations are important too. A monstrance should be stable, dignified, and manageable for the clergy or ministers who will handle it. The luna size should match the host used for exposition, and the case or storage arrangement should protect the vessel when it is not in use.

How is a monstrance used in adoration and processions?

A monstrance is used by placing the consecrated host in the luna or lunette, enclosing it within the glass window, and setting the vessel on the altar for Eucharistic adoration. During exposition, the faithful pray silently, sing hymns, read Scripture, or simply remain in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The atmosphere is reverent, prayerful, and focused on worship rather than display for its own sake.

For Benediction, the minister typically uses incense, hymns, prayers, and the humeral veil. The monstrance is lifted with the veil covering the hands, and the people receive the Eucharistic blessing. This practice highlights the sacredness of the moment and the Church’s belief that Christ himself is blessing the faithful.

In Eucharistic processions, especially on or around Corpus Christi, the monstrance may be carried under a canopy or accompanied by candles, incense, servers, and hymns. The pace is slow and solemn. The humeral veil is again commonly used when the priest or deacon carries the monstrance, reinforcing reverence and careful handling.

Reliquaries preserve and present sacred relics

Relics are physical remains or objects associated with saints or with Christ’s Passion. Reliquaries are the containers made to house and display those relics reverently. Unlike a monstrance, which is used for the Eucharist, a reliquary is connected to the communion of saints and the Church’s memory of holy lives.

The classes of relics are commonly described this way:

1. First-class relics: Physical remains of a saint, such as bone or hair.
2. Second-class relics: Items personally used by a saint, such as clothing, a book, or another object connected to the saint’s life.
3. Third-class relics: Objects touched to a first-class relic, second-class relic, or sometimes to the tomb of a saint.

Reliquaries may be small theca-style cases, standing altar reliquaries, cross-shaped vessels, or ornate shrines. They are displayed for veneration, not worship. Catholics worship God alone, while relics are honored as tangible connections to holy men and women who followed Christ.

It is important to state clearly: the Church prohibits the selling of relics. Authentic relics are not commercial goods. Reliquaries themselves, however, may be sold empty, just as chalices, ciboria, vestments, and other sacred items may be purchased for appropriate use. When buying a reliquary, the buyer should expect the vessel to be empty unless proper ecclesiastical arrangements apply.

Reverent display and care of reliquaries

Reliquaries should be placed where they can be treated with dignity, such as on an altar, shrine table, chapel shelf, or protected devotional area. If a relic is exposed for public veneration, the setting should be orderly and prayerful. Clear labeling can help the faithful understand whose relic is present and avoid confusion.

Veneration may include a bow, a moment of prayer, or another approved devotional gesture. The point is not curiosity, superstition, or collecting; it is gratitude for God’s grace at work in the saints. A reliquary should be handled carefully, kept clean, and stored securely when not displayed.

For storage, parishes should use a protective case or lined cabinet in a dry, stable environment. Documentation connected with a relic should be preserved carefully and kept with parish records or in another secure location. Even an empty reliquary should be handled respectfully because it is intended for sacred use.

Processional crosses lead the way in worship

A processional cross is a cross mounted on a staff or pole and carried at the head of a liturgical procession. It often leads the entrance procession at Mass, recessions, funerals, feast day processions, parish celebrations, and other solemn occasions. Its role is simple but powerful: the cross goes before the people as a visible sign of Christ leading the Church.

Processional crosses are often accompanied by candles. Servers carrying candles may walk on either side of the cross, creating a balanced and reverent formation. In larger processions, banners, incense, torches, canopy bearers, musicians, clergy, and other ministers may follow according to local custom and liturgical norms.

A processional cross is usually carried upright with both hands, at a steady pace, and high enough to be visible without becoming awkward or unsafe. The cross bearer should move calmly, avoid sudden turns, and remain attentive to spacing. When the procession reaches the sanctuary, the cross may be placed in a stand or stored in a designated place, depending on the church’s arrangement.

Other processional items need the same thoughtful care

Processional items include candles, banners, thuribles, canopies, torches, and stands for crosses or banners. Stands are especially useful because they keep items upright, visible, and secure before and after the procession. A properly sized stand also prevents damage that can happen when a cross or banner is leaned against a wall.

Good care and storage extend the life of these items and preserve their dignity:

1. Wipe metal surfaces with appropriate soft cloths after use.
2. Let candles cool before moving or storing them.
3. Store banners flat or hanging, away from moisture and sharp folds.
4. Keep poles, finials, and stands together so pieces are not misplaced.
5. Use padded cases or cabinets for ornate crosses, reliquaries, and monstrances.
6. Check screws, fittings, and bases regularly before processions.

These practical habits help prevent accidents and keep sacred items ready for worship. They also show respect for the parish community, which often invests care, donations, and devotion into the objects used in the liturgy.

Choosing sacred vessels with purpose

When selecting a monstrance, reliquary, or processional cross, begin with how it will be used. A parish that regularly holds Eucharistic adoration may need a stable, visible monstrance suited to frequent handling. A chapel may prefer a smaller piece that fits its altar and storage space. A church with outdoor processions should consider durability, weight, and ease of carrying.

For reliquaries, consider whether the item will be displayed occasionally or permanently. For processional crosses and banners, think about the height of the nave, the age and strength of servers, and whether the item has a secure stand. Beauty matters, but suitability matters too.

A helpful checklist before choosing:

1. Does the item match the church, chapel, or devotional space?
2. Is it stable, appropriately sized, and easy to handle reverently?
3. Does it include or fit the necessary parts, such as the luna for a monstrance?
4. Can it be stored safely when not in use?
5. Does its design support prayer rather than distract from it?

A final takeaway

Monstrances, reliquaries, and processional crosses each have a distinct role in Catholic worship. The monstrance displays the Eucharist for adoration and Benediction, the reliquary protects and presents relics for veneration, and the processional cross leads the faithful in liturgical movement. Understanding their meaning, symbolism, and care helps parishes use them with reverence and confidence.

To explore options for your parish, chapel, or devotional setting, browse monstrances, reliquaries, and processional items at CFaithS.

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