Ethan Walker
In the Catholic Church, there are various receptacles used for different purposes. One such receptacle is the monstrance, also known as an ostensorium or ostensory, which is used to display objects of piety such as the consecrated Eucharistic Sacramental bread during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Another receptacle is the tabernacle, a fixed, locked box used to store the Eucharist or Blessed Sacrament, especially when bringing Holy Communion to the sick or those unable to attend Mass. The pyx or pix, derived from the Greek word pyxis meaning box, receptacle, is a small round container used to carry the Eucharist to the sick for Holy Communion. The ciborium, usually shaped like a rounded goblet or chalice with a dome-shaped cover, is another receptacle used to hold the consecrated Eucharistic bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Monstrance (also known as an ostensorium or ostensory) |
| Description | A vessel used in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, High Church Lutheran and Anglican churches |
| Usage | Used for the display of sacred objects such as the consecrated Eucharistic Sacramental bread (host) during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Design | Usually elaborate; most are carried by the priest, while others may be larger fixed constructions |
| Other Uses | Can serve as a reliquary for the public display of relics of saints |
| Etymology | The word "monstrance" comes from the Latin "monstrare", meaning "to show" |
| Examples | La Lechuga, made of gold and emeralds; The Cathedral of Toledo's monstrance, made of gold and jewels |
| Related Terms | Tabernacle, Pyx, Ciborium |
| Definition of Pyx | A small round container used in Catholic, Old Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican Churches to carry the Eucharist to those unable to come to church |
| Definition of Tabernacle | A fixed, locked box or vessel used to store the Eucharist as part of the "reserved sacrament" rite |
| Definition of Ciborium | A receptacle designed to hold the consecrated Eucharistic bread, usually shaped like a rounded goblet or chalice with a dome-shaped cover |
Explore related products
$7.88
What You'll Learn
- The monstrance, also known as an ostensorium, displays objects of piety
- The pyx, a small round container, carries the Eucharist to the sick
- The tabernacle, a locked box, stores the Eucharist for distribution
- The ciborium is a goblet-shaped vessel that holds consecrated Eucharistic bread
- The aumbry, a container set into a wall, stores the Eucharist
The monstrance, also known as an ostensorium, displays objects of piety
A monstrance, also called an ostensorium or ostensory, is a vessel used in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, High Church Lutheran, and Anglican churches. It is used to display objects of piety, such as the consecrated Eucharistic Sacramental bread (host) during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The vessel is placed on an altar, typically during religious services.
The word monstrance is derived from the Latin word 'monstrare', which means "to show". Similarly, the word ostensorium comes from the Latin word 'ostendere', which also means "to show". These terms aptly describe the function of the vessel, which is to exhibit or display sacred objects.
Monstrances are often elaborately designed and may be carried by priests during religious ceremonies. Some are small and portable, while others are larger fixed constructions, often displayed in chapels dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. The design of the monstrance has evolved over time, with medieval monstrances exhibiting greater variation in form compared to their contemporary counterparts.
One notable example of a monstrance is the one housed in the Cathedral of Toledo, Spain. Made of pure gold brought by Admiral Columbus from the New World, it is adorned with jewels and has been featured in several devotional handbooks. Another significant monstrance is La Lechuga, owned by the Banco de la Republica of Colombia. It is crafted from 18-karat gold, embellished with 1,485 emeralds, and studded with various other gems from around the world.
Catholic Sentences: How to Write Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The pyx, a small round container, carries the Eucharist to the sick
The pyx, a small round container, is used in Catholic, Old Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican churches to carry the Eucharist to the sick or those unable to attend church. The pyx is also referred to as a "pix", derived from the Latin "pyxis" and the Greek "pyxis" or "pyxís", meaning "box" or "receptacle".
The pyx is typically made of brass, gold, silver, or other metals and is often about the size of a pocket watch. In some cases, it may be lined with gold. The container is usually flat and clamshell-like, resembling a small, flat cylindrical box with a cover. While the design may vary, the pyx always serves the purpose of carrying the Eucharist to those who cannot receive it in person at the church.
In the early days of Christianity, priests would bring consecrated bread from the Eucharist to the homes of the sick and those unable to attend the celebration. This tradition continues today, with the pyx serving as a practical and sacred vessel for transporting the Eucharist.
In the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches, the pyx is also known as a "church tabernacle". It holds the lamb (host) reserved for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during Great Lent. This pyx is kept on the Holy Table or the Prothesis (Table of Oblation) on the north side of the sanctuary.
The use of the pyx reflects the belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, ensuring that those unable to attend Mass can still receive this sacred communion.
Obtaining a Certificate of Catholic Practice: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The tabernacle, a locked box, stores the Eucharist for distribution
The tabernacle is a liturgical furnishing used by the Catholic Church to store the Eucharist outside of Mass. It is a secure and sacred place to store the Blessed Sacrament for later use, such as distribution to the sick and others who cannot participate in Mass. It is also a focal point for the prayers of those who visit the church. The Eucharist is believed to contain the real presence of Jesus, and so the tabernacle is locked to prevent the consecrated elements from being removed without authorization.
The tabernacle is typically made from precious metals, stone, or wood, and is affixed or bolted to a support structure like the altar or an adjacent wall. It is lined with white cloth, often silk, and veiled when the Eucharist is present. The veil is made of cloth in the liturgical colour of the day or season, matching the priest's vestments.
The Catholic Church believes that the body and blood of Christ continue to be present in the bread and wine even after Mass is concluded. Thus, the tabernacle serves as a secure place to store the Eucharist, which is considered the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is kept in a ciborium inside the tabernacle. When taking Communion to the sick, a small to medium-sized receptacle called a pyx is used.
The tabernacle is so named because it is a place where Christ dwells in the Eucharist. It is derived from the word 'dwelling place', referring to the Old Testament Tabernacle, which was the locus of God's presence among the Jewish people. The tabernacle is usually placed in a prominent, visible, and beautifully decorated part of the church, suitable for prayer.
The use of the tabernacle has evolved over time. Before the Second Vatican Council, Mass was often celebrated directly in front of the tabernacle. After Vatican II, the altar for the celebration of Mass stands on its own, and the tabernacle is given its own smaller altar or is placed on a nearby pedestal or in a separate chapel.
Catholic Commandments: 10 Rules for Faithful Living
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ciborium is a goblet-shaped vessel that holds consecrated Eucharistic bread
Within the Catholic Church, there are several receptacles used for various purposes. One such receptacle is the ciborium, a goblet-shaped vessel used to hold consecrated Eucharistic bread. The ciborium is typically designed with a rounded goblet or chalice shape, topped by a dome-like cover. Its form has evolved over time, with medieval ciboria featuring smaller, spire-shaped covers above a cylindrical bowl. Following the Reformation, ciboria increased in size and gradually acquired their current rounded form.
The ciborium is not a consecrated vessel and only requires a blessing before its initial use. It is employed during the Holy Communion service, where the consecrated bread is distributed to the congregation. The Catholic Church believes that the body and blood of Christ remain present in the bread and wine even after Mass has ended. Thus, the ciborium serves as a sacred vessel, ensuring the consecrated bread is respectfully contained.
Another receptacle used in Catholic traditions is the tabernacle, which is a fixed, locked box or a dome-like vessel used to store the Eucharist or consecrated communion hosts. The Eucharist is considered the "reserved sacrament" and is secured in the tabernacle for distribution during services. The tabernacle is usually made from precious metals, stone, or wood, and it is either secured to the altar or placed on an adjacent wall. This design prevents the unauthorized removal of the consecrated elements within.
In addition to the ciborium and tabernacle, the pyx is another receptacle used in the Catholic Church. The pyx, also known as a pix, is a small, round container used to carry the Eucharist to the sick or those unable to attend church for Holy Communion. The term "pyx" is derived from the Latin "pyxis," meaning "box, receptacle," and it often denotes a small, flat, clamshell-style container made of brass or other metals and traditionally lined with gold.
These receptacles play important roles in Catholic rituals and ceremonies, ensuring the respectful containment and distribution of consecrated items during various religious services and practices.
Circumcision: A Catholic's Guide to Religious Rituals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The aumbry, a container set into a wall, stores the Eucharist
In the Catholic Church, the body and blood of Christ are believed to continue to be present in the bread and wine even after Mass has ended. As such, the Eucharist is stored in a secure and sacred place known as a tabernacle. The tabernacle is a box-like or dome-like vessel that is usually made from precious metals, stone, or wood. It is locked and secured to the altar or adjacent wall to prevent the removal of the consecrated elements without authorisation.
The tabernacle serves as a focal point for religious devotion and is often elaborately designed. It is typically located on, above, or near the high altar, with the reserved Eucharist stored inside for distribution at services. Before the Second Vatican Council, Mass was often celebrated directly in front of the tabernacle. However, after the council, the altar for the Mass was given its own separate space, and the tabernacle was placed on a smaller altar, a nearby pedestal, or in its own separate chapel.
In addition to the tabernacle, the Eucharist can also be stored in an aumbry, which is a container set into a wall. The aumbry is more commonly used in traditions such as Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism. Historically, the Eucharist was kept in a highly embellished cabinet inserted into the wall to the right or left of the altar, especially during the 13th century.
The use of the aumbry and tabernacle reflects the belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, with the term "tabernacle" referring to the Old Testament locus of God's presence among the Jewish people. The reserved sacrament within these receptacles serves as a focus for prayer and meditation outside of Mass.
Dublin's Trinity College Opens Doors to Catholics
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The receptacle used for this purpose is called a pyx.
A pyx is typically a small, flat, circular container made of brass or other metals and traditionally lined with gold.
A pyx is also known as a pix, derived from the Latin "pyxis" and the Greek "boxwood receptacle".
Yes, a tabernacle or sacrament house is a locked box or vessel used to store the Eucharist or Blessed Sacrament. A monstrance or ostensorium is a vessel used to display objects of piety, such as the consecrated Eucharistic Sacramental bread during Eucharistic adoration.
