Description

An ostensorium is a vessel designed for the exhibition of some object of reverence like a saint’s relic, a splinter from the real cross, or some other pious object. The name ostensorium and the associated word, monstrance (from latin, monstrare, “to show’) were originally applied to all kinds of vessels where glass or crystal cases displayed saintly contents. In English, as time progressed, the term monstrance was preferred and today almost exclusively refers to a vessel used to contain the Blessed Sacrament. The monstrance is used during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and during processions. The center part of the monstrance has a hinged glass receptacle for the Host called a luna, luluna or lunette. This Holy Renderings monstrance is loosely based on a French 19th centruy Art Nouveau monstrance by Thomas-Joseph Armand-Calliat of Lyon, France. The original can be seen at the Basilica of Montmartre in Paris, France.