Exposition And Benediction: A Wedding Ceremony's Unique Blend

Wedding ceremonies are often filled with blessings and rituals that hold religious and cultural significance. One such ritual is the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, practised especially in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Christian traditions. The benediction is a devotional ceremony where a priest blesses the newlyweds with the Eucharist, marking the end of a period of adoration. This is often preceded by the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, where the consecrated Host is placed in a monstrance on the altar for all to see. While not all wedding ceremonies include a benediction, those that do provide an opportunity for the couple to receive blessings and well-wishes for their married life together.

The history of exposition and benediction

The Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction is a devotional ceremony celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Christian traditions, such as Anglo-Catholicism. It involves a bishop, priest, or deacon blessing the congregation with the Eucharist after a period of adoration.

The history of this practice can be traced back to the Middle Ages. In 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi, during which the Holy Eucharist was carried in procession in vessels similar to today's monstrances, allowing the faithful to view the Blessed Sacrament. Over time, a custom arose, particularly in Germany, of keeping the Blessed Sacrament continually exposed in all the Churches.

In the following centuries, two distinct services emerged. One involved members of guilds gathering in the evening to sing canticles in honour of the Blessed Mother, with the Salve Regina as a popular choice. The other was an evening service of chanted prayers, also in honour of the Blessed Mother, during which the Blessed Sacrament would be exposed. Eventually, these two services merged. The faithful would gather for chanted prayers, the Blessed Sacrament would be exposed, and the service would conclude with benediction.

The actual ritual for exposition and benediction was presented in 1973 by the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. The priest places the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance or ostensorium on the altar for adoration. A hymn of praise, such as "O Salutaris Hostia", is sung as the priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament. The period of adoration includes silent prayers, readings, and hymns, all aimed at fostering a deeper spiritual communion with the Lord and a better understanding of the Eucharistic mystery. The ritual concludes with the priest blessing the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, making the sign of the cross.

The role of the priest

The Rituals

The priest begins the exposition by placing the Blessed Sacrament, which is the consecrated Host, in a monstrance on the altar. Alternatively, a ciborium containing the Blessed Sacrament may be used. The monstrance is a special vessel that allows the congregation to view the Blessed Sacrament, while the ciborium is a covered container. This initial ritual is often accompanied by the singing of the hymn "O Salutaris Hostia".

After the placement of the Blessed Sacrament, the priest leads a period of adoration. During this time, the congregation may engage in silent prayer, fostering a deeper spiritual connection with the Lord. The priest also incorporates prayers, such as novenas or the Liturgy of the Hours, and may include readings from Sacred Scripture. Additionally, the priest may deliver a homily or exhortation to enhance the congregation's understanding of the Eucharistic mystery.

At the conclusion of the adoration period, the priest initiates the benediction or blessing. The priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament and sings a hymn of praise, such as "Tantum Ergo". The priest then blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, making the sign of the cross. Finally, the priest replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, which is typically done while singing a hymn or reciting an acclamation.

Vestments and Practices

The priest wears specific vestments during the exposition and benediction. When using a monstrance, the priest wears an alb or a surplice with a cope and a humeral veil for the blessing. However, when using a ciborium, the cope is not required. Incense is also used during the rituals, especially at the beginning of the exposition and before the blessing when a monstrance is employed.

It is important to note that only the priest should handle the Most Blessed Sacrament, as their hands have been consecrated. The laity should not touch the Sacred Host to avoid any sacrilege. Additionally, when entering or leaving a church with the Blessed Sacrament exposed, one should kneel on both knees as a sign of respect and adoration.

The Significance

The exposition and benediction ceremony holds significant meaning within the Catholic Church. It underscores the fundamental mystery of the Holy Eucharist, affirming the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament—His body, blood, soul, and divinity. This devotion has deep roots in the Church's history and was recommended by Pope John Paul II in his 1980 Holy Thursday letter, "Dominicae cenae".

The priest's role in this ceremony is crucial, as they guide the congregation through a spiritual journey of adoration, worship, and blessing. The priest ensures that the rituals are performed with reverence and solemnity, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and communion with God.

Hymns and prayers

Hymns

• "Abide with Me" by William Henry Monk
• "All Creatures of Our God and King" by William Henry Draper
• "All Things Bright and Beautiful" by Cecil Frances Alexander
• "Amazing Grace" by John Newton
• "And Can It Be (Amazing Love)" by Charles Wesley
• "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord" by David J. Evans
• "Be Thou My Vision" by Eleanor H. Hull
• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
• "Ave verum corpus" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• "How Great Thou Art" by Carl Gustav Boberg
• "Here I Am, Lord" by Daniel L. Schutte
• "Panis Angelicus" by Saint Thomas Aquinas
• "Shine, Jesus, Shine" by Graham Kendrick
• "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" by Henry van Dyke
• "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" by Henry Francis Lyte
• "The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want" by Francis Rous

Prayers

• "Song of Solomon 2:10-13" from the Bible
• "Memorial Wedding Blessing"
• "Ecclesiastes 4:9-12" from the Bible
• "Wedding Dinner Blessing"
• "1 Corinthians 13:4-7" from the Bible
• "A Wedding Prayer" by Robert Louis Stevenson
• "Proverbs 3:3-4" from the Bible
• "The Marriage Wedding Blessing Poem" by Rumi
• "Wedding Ring Blessing"
• "Blessings of the Hands" by Reverend Daniel Harris
• "That Still and Settled Place" by Edward Monkton
• "Irish Wedding Blessing"
• "Celtic Wedding Blessing"
• "Christian Wedding Blessing"
• "Italian Wedding Blessing"
• "Catholic Wedding Blessing"
• "Hawaiian Wedding Blessing"
• "Polish Wedding Blessing"
• "Buddhist Wedding Blessing" by Lama Thubten Yeshe
• "Germain Wedding Blessing" by Rainer Maria Rilke
• "Spanish Wedding Blessing"

The Eucharist

Following the Exposition, the Benediction or blessing is conferred upon the congregation with the Eucharist. The priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament, and hymns like "Tantum Ergo" are sung. The priest then blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament, making the sign of the cross. Finally, the priest replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, concluding the Eucharistic devotion.

Wedding blessings

Religious Wedding Blessings:

• Bible Wedding Blessings: Song of Solomon 2:10-13, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Proverbs 3:3-4.
• A Wedding Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson: "Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen."
• Christian Wedding Blessing: "May God bless this marriage with hope that is sure, with faith that is steady and with love that endures."
• Catholic Wedding Blessing: "May the Lord Jesus, who graced the marriage at Cana by His presence, bless you and your loved ones. May He, who loved the Church to the end, unceasingly pour his love into your hearts."
• Jewish Wedding Blessing: "The loving partners shall rejoice as You caused your creatures to delight in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are you Lord, who causes the groom and bride to rejoice."
• Hindu Wedding Blessings: "Let us provide for our household, stay in good health and carry out our duties and responsibilities to each other, our families, and our tradition. Let us develop our mental and spiritual powers. Let us increase our wealth, comfort, knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love, respect, and trust."
• Buddhist Wedding Blessing: "Today we promise to dedicate ourselves completely to each other, with body, speech, and mind. In this life, in every situation, in wealth or poverty, in health or sickness, in happiness or difficulty, we will work to help each other perfectly."

Non-Religious Wedding Blessings:

• The Marriage by Rumi: "May these vows and this marriage be blessed. May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah. May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm."
• Wedding Ring Blessing: "A marriage is a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. Words cannot quite express the profoundness of this commitment, but for generations, rings have stood as a symbol of its permanence and sincerity."
• Blessings of the Hands by Reverend Daniel Harris: "These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future."
• That Still and Settled Place by Edward Monkton: "In that still and settled place, there's nobody but you. You're where I breathe my oxygen. You're where I see my view."
• Italian Wedding Blessing: "May your life be like good wine: tasty, sharp and clear. Like good wine, may it improve with every passing year."
• Native American Wedding Blessing: "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness."

Frequently asked questions