Q: Hello Fr. Tuner, Thank you for the service your provide to all of us in Ars Celebrandi.
I am a permanent deacon who occasionally presides for Eucharistic exposition and benediction. During benediction, following the Tantum ergo, no. 98 of HCAWOTEMOM says “the minister rises and says: Let us pray….O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament…” and I never know where, after rising, I ought to stand. The kneeler for the minister, at our parish, is placed directly in front of the altar with the monstrance to accommodate incensation, and in benedictions I have observed, the minister has usually remained kneeling for this prayer before going to get the humeral veil.
When I stand, should I face the monstrance (the prayer is address to Christ…) but occlude the people’s view? Should I turn toward the people (“Let us pray”), thus turning my back toward the monstrance? Do I rise go to some other place (i.e., the lectern by the presiders chair)? Each feels in some way awkward to me.
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A: I agree with you that this isn’t clear, so you may choose whichever direction feels right.
I usually face the monstrance. It would also be appropriate to stand at the presider’s chair—but not at the lectern or ambo.
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