Exposition, adoration, blessing, reposition

What happens at Benediction, and what to say.

Benediction is the short rite that closes a period of Eucharistic adoration: the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance, hymns are sung, and the priest blesses the people with the Host itself. If you have never been, here is the whole thing in order.

The Order of the Rite

1. Exposition. The priest or deacon places the Host in the monstrance on the altar and incenses it. The congregation kneels.
2. O Salutaris Hostia is sung.
3. Adoration. A period of silence, prayer, Scripture or hymns — from a few minutes to a full hour.
4. Tantum Ergo is sung as the Blessed Sacrament is incensed again.
5. The versicle and prayer. You have given them bread from heaven — containing in itself all sweetness.
6. The Benediction. The priest, wearing the humeral veil, raises the monstrance and makes the Sign of the Cross over the people in silence. No word is spoken; this is the moment the rite is named for.
7. The Divine Praises are recited.
8. Reposition. The Blessed Sacrament is returned to the tabernacle, often during a final hymn.

The Prayer After Tantum Ergo

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament
have left us a memorial of Your Passion:
grant us, we beseech You,
so to reverence the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood
that we may ever feel within us the fruit of Your redemption.
Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Practical Notes

• Kneel while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, unless health prevents it.
• Genuflect on both knees when passing before the exposed Sacrament.
• The blessing is given in silence — do not respond aloud.
• A priest or deacon must give the blessing; a layperson or religious may expose and repose the Sacrament but may not bless with it.