Sentence examples for monstrance from inspiring English sources
noun
An ornamental, often precious receptacle, either open or with a transparent cover, in which the sacramental bread is placed for veneration.
Among such works was a silver-gilt monstrance (vessel to contain the Host) for Notre Dame in Paris, commissioned in 1716.
The most important Portuguese work, the Belém monstrance, created by Gil Vicente in 1506 for Belém Monastery near Lisbon, is still Gothic in style; later, Portugal developed its own style, related to Spanish work but not copied from it.
In the 16th century the monstrance took its present shape: a circular pane of glass set in a cross or surrounded with metal rays.
The practice of benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, for example, is a blessing conferred by a priest holding a consecrated host in a vessel of display called a monstrance; the priest's hands are covered to signify that it is the blessing of Jesus and not his own.
Monstrance, also called ostensorium, in the Roman Catholic church and some other churches, a vessel in which the eucharistic host is carried in processions and is exposed during certain devotional ceremonies.
There are reliquary busts of the Czech saints Adalbert, Wenceslas and Vitus, from the end of the 15th century, and Baroque pieces, like a glass Monstrance from 1845, the newest piece on display.
First used in France and Germany in the 14th century, when popular devotion to the Blessed Sacrament developed, monstrances were modeled after pyxes or reliquaries, sacred vessels for transporting the host or relics.
Ciboria (covered vessels for holding the wafers of the Eucharist), monstrances (receptacles for the Host), incense vessels, and other liturgical implements were also made in copper gilt, as well as in bronze and silver.
The poly-lobed base and the raised stand with elaborate fleur-de-lis are in the best tradition of flamboyant Gothic monstrances.
Copes and slippers and gloves are exquisitely, dazzlingly embroidered; tiaras and croziers, chalices and monstrances are intricately adorned with precious jewels and flourishes.
Also on hand is a group of astonishingly tall, futuristic-looking objects known as tower monstrances.
