The parish of Pope John XXIII in Krefeld has a Catholic liturgy a wonderful one monstrance from the middle of the last century. Unfortunately, in the meantime the so-called “Lunula”, i.e. the crescent-shaped bracket in the center of a monstrance for the presentation of the consecrated Host lost. Therefore, we received the request from the coordinator of the church council and the pastor in Krefeld to organize a new lunula for this beautiful monstrance.
The representatives of the church council finally decided to purchase a ready-made host holder and fit it into the existing monstrance. Fortunately, we were able to find a lunula that corresponds exactly to the historical monstrance in terms of size, shape and the color of the gilding.
We finally made in our studio a custom-fit base for the stable accommodation of the new host holder, with which the lunula can be easily inserted into the conical rail inside the monstrance during the service. Finally, the new base was polished to a high gloss and plated in 24 carat yellow gold.
The end result was so convincing that probably nobody will recognize at first or even second glance 😉 that the monstrance and lunula no longer form a historical unit.
But the most important thing: This beautiful monstrance no longer has to wait in vain in the sacristy to be used in the mass and can finally be presented to the faithful again during the liturgy together with the Host in all its splendor and beauty.
Interesting facts about lunula and monstrances
The monstrance is one of the most important liturgical devices of the Catholic Church and is used to display the Blessed Sacrament, i.e. the consecrated host, for veneration. Its name is derived from the Latin word "monstrare", which means "to show" or "to reveal". Monstrances were first developed in the High Middle Ages to promote the increasing veneration of the Eucharist and to make it visible. Since then, they have been an integral part of the Catholic tradition and are used primarily during Eucharistic processions or in devotions.
A central component of the monstrance is the so-called lunula. The lunula is a small, usually crescent-shaped or circular metal container that is specifically designed to hold the consecrated host safely and at the same time make it visible. It is often made of precious materials such as gilded silver or gold and is located at the heart of the monstrance, in the so-called glass case or ciborium. This area is protected by a transparent cover, usually made of glass or crystal, so that the faithful can see and venerate the host.
The lunula has an essential liturgical and symbolic function. It ensures that the consecrated host is securely held in place during exposure or procession without being obscured. Its shape and design serve not only practical purposes but also to highlight the beauty and holiness of the Eucharist. The name "lunula" derives from the Latin word "luna", meaning "moon", and refers to the often crescent-shaped design. This design allows the round host to be positioned so that it is perfectly visible. The connection to the moon also has a symbolic component, as the moon is traditionally considered a mirror of light, similar to how the monstrance makes divine light visible through the host.
Monstrances themselves are artistically designed works whose shape and structure reflect the central importance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith. They are usually richly decorated and made of precious materials because they contain the Blessed Sacrament. The classic monstrance has a ray shape that is reminiscent of the sun and symbolizes the glory and light of God. The rays often emanate from a central glass case in which the lunula with the host is embedded. This ray shape is intended to illustrate the divine presence in the Eucharist and the radiance of God's grace on the faithful.
The design of the monstrance varies depending on the era and region. In the Middle Ages, monstrances were often tower-shaped, reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals with numerous arches and towers. In the Baroque period, the radial shape developed, which is still widely used today. This type of monstrance is often decorated with additional elements such as precious stones, enamel work or filigree engravings that underline its beauty and sacred character. Many monstrances are decorated with sacred motifs such as angels, crosses or scenes from the life of Jesus. These decorations have not only aesthetic but also theological significance, as they emphasize the central role of the Eucharist in God's plan of salvation.
The monstrance and the lunula it contains are used in the Catholic liturgy, especially during Eucharistic adoration and in processions. During the exposure of the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated host is fixed in the lunula and inserted into the monstrance. The monstrance is then placed on the altar so that the faithful can adore the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During processions, such as on Corpus Christi, the monstrance is carried by a priest, often under a canopy to emphasize the special holiness of the moment.
The veneration of the Eucharist through the monstrance has a long tradition in the Catholic Church and is closely linked to the theological conviction that Christ is really and substantially present in the host. The monstrance serves as a visible sign of this invisible presence and helps the faithful to focus on the mystery of the Eucharist. The artistic design of the monstrance and the lunula emphasizes the sacredness of the moment and invites the experience of Christ's presence in the host in an attitude of reverence and adoration.
The manufacture of monstrances and lunulae requires a high level of craftsmanship and artistic skill. Goldsmiths who make these liturgical items often work in close consultation with churches and clergy to ensure that the finished works meet both liturgical requirements and aesthetic and theological standards. The materials and decorations used reflect the reverence and appreciation shown for the Eucharist.
The monstrance has a deep meaning in the symbolism of the Catholic Church. It not only shows the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but also represents the revelation of God to the world. The radiant shape of many monstrances is a reminder that Christ is the "light of the world," as the Gospel of John says. The lunula, which holds the host securely, is an essential part that underlines the central role of the Eucharist as the source and culmination of Christian life.
In summary, the lunula and the monstrance together represent a profound symbol of Catholic Eucharistic worship. They are not only liturgical tools, but also artistic expressions of faith. Their design, use and symbolism help to make the central importance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith visible and tangible. Whether in silent adoration or in solemn procession, the monstrance with its lunula is an impressive testimony to the veneration of Christ in the Eucharist and invites believers to reflect on the mystery of faith.