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LITURGICAL QUESTIONS ?????
Why Do We Not Have Benediction After Sunday Mass Anymore???? The Eucharistic Sacrifice is the source and the culmination of the whole Christian Life. The celebration of the Eucharist in the Sacrifice of the Mass is the true origin and purpose of the worship shown to the Eucharist outside of Mass. The principal reason for reserving the Blessed Sacrament after Mass is to unite, through Sacramental Communion, the faithful unable to participate in Mass.
The Celebration of the Eucharist is the center of the entire Christian Life. The Celebration of the Eucharist in the Sacrifice of the Mass, moreover, is truly the origin and the goal of the worship, which is shown to the Eucharist outside of Mass. No one may, therefore, doubt that all the faithful show this Holy Sacrament the veneration and adoration which is due to God Himself.
In the Celebration of the Mass, the chief ways in which Christ is present in His Church gradually become clear. First, Christ is present in the very Gathered Assembly of the faithful, gathered together in His Name. Next, Christ is present in His Word, when the Scriptures are proclaimed in the Gathered Church and explained. Then, Christ is present in the person of the presiding minister (Bishop or Priest). Finally and above all, Christ is present in the Eucharistic Sacrificial Offering which culminates in the Eucharistic Sacrament.
Both private and public devotion toward the Eucharist are strongly encouraged, including devotion outside of Mass, when celebrated according to the regulations of lawful authority.
When the faithful honor Christ present in the Sacrament, they should always remember that this Presence is derived from the Sacrifice and is directed toward Sacramental and Spiritual Communion.
Prayer before Christ the Lord Sacramentally present extends the union with Christ which the faithful have reached in participating in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. It renews the Covenant which in turn moves them to maintain in their lives what they have received by faith and by Sacraments. The faithful should try to lead their whole lives with the strength derived from the Heavenly Food, as they share in the death, resurrection, ascension and glorification of the Lord at the right hand of the Father.
Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, either in the ciborium or in the monstrance, is intended to acknowledge Christ's marvelous presence in this Sacrament. It further invites the faithful into Spiritual Communion with Christ, when the faithful cannot participate in the Eucharistic Celebration.
Since Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a replacement for those who cannot participate in Mass, it cannot follow Mass. It can, and should be done, when Mass is not possible according to lawful authority.
When simple Exposition occurs, commonly known as Benediction, suitable number of the faithful are expected to be present. The Exposition Service should be arranged in such a way that the Blessing with the Eucharist is preceded by a suitable period during which there is at least one, two or three would be better, Reading from God's Holy Word and then a reflection on God's Word. There should also be songs of praise, prayers, and sufficient time for silent prayer before giving the Benediction. Exposition, which is held exclusively for the giving of Benediction, is prohibited and forbidden.
A single genuflection is made in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for public adoration.
During simple Exposition six candles at least must be lighted if in the monstrance, two candles if in the ciborium, and incense should be used.
The above is taken from Papal Document entitled: "Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass", which was issued in 1974 by Pope Paul VI.
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