Why Not Benediction?

Q: Recently I asked one of our parish priests why we no longer hold Benediction following the Stations of the Cross. He explained that the practice was felt to be inappropriate (this came from the chancery). Is this true for all parishes? When is Benediction appropriate? I truly miss this eucharistic devotion.

A: I know of no rule for all parishes that Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is not to follow making the Stations of the Cross. However, Benediction presupposes a period of prayer and exposition before it takes place.

The Roman Ritual (The Rites of the Catholic Church, Published by Authority of Pope Paul VI, Pueblo) says in the section on exposition of the holy Eucharist (#89): "Exposition which is held exclusively for the giving of Benediction is prohibited."

The Instruction on Certain Norms Concerning the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery (from the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship, April 3, 1980) states it must not be forgotten that "before the blessing with the Sacrament an appropriate time should be devoted to readings of the Word of God, to songs and prayers and to some silent prayer."

In other words, Benediction should not be given as something like an afterthought to other devotions or occasions of worship. The Blessed Sacrament is not to be taken out of the tabernacle for a few brief moments just to give Benediction with it. Whenever Benediction takes place, it should be preceded by some period of prayer, readings, homilies and/or silent worship with due attention given to the Blessed Sacrament itself.

Finally, it may be that the chancery officials think putting the Way of the Cross together with Benediction is something like celebrating Christmas and Easter on the same day. Each mystery deserves some special reflection and attention.