Throne for the Monstrance | Thabor

Throne for the Monstrance | Thabor

• Throne for the monstrance made of brass.
• Gold finish.
• 12 cm (4.72 in) in height to the plate.
• 22 cm (8.66 in) in diameter of the plate.
• Base width of 14 cm (5.51 in).
• Pedestal decorated with embossed elements.

What is a throne for the monstrance?

A throne for the monstrance, also known as a support or throne, is a piece of religious goldsmithing used in the Catholic Church.

Its primary function is to hold and elevate the monstrance during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Origin of the name Thabor

Its name comes from Mount Thabor, where the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ occurred, an event narrated in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

The Gospels recount how Jesus climbed Mount Thabor to pray, accompanied by three of His disciples: Peter, James, and John.

During the prayer, suddenly, Jesus began to shine intensely, and Moses and Elijah appeared. The prophets started talking with Jesus. In the middle of the conversation, a voice from heaven called Jesus "Son"; it was the voice of God confirming what the faithful already knew: Christ is the true Son of God.

The Transfiguration is one of the five milestones in the life of Jesus, along with His baptism, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

This event is crucial in Christian teachings, representing the encounter between the human and the divine, with Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth. It reaffirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God and also presents Him as the spokesperson for God, surpassing Moses and Elijah. The prophets themselves, through their presence, endorse Jesus before humanity.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Transfiguration on August 6th, highlighting its importance in revealing the Son of God to His disciples.

Meaning and symbolism of the throne and the monstrance

The monstrance is a piece of goldsmith whose main function is the exposition of the Host, the Blessed Sacrament. It is common for the section where the Blessed Sacrament is placed to be decorated with rays that evoke the brilliance emanating from Christ's Body during the Transfiguration.

The throne for the monstrance emphasizes the symbolism of the monstrance by elevating the Blessed Sacrament. In this way, the Sacred Host becomes more visible and present in liturgical celebrations.

The monstrance and the throne remind us of the importance of Christ's Body as the central element of liturgical celebrations. Jesus is the path that unites the human and the divine. He teaches us how to live to reach Heaven, by the side of Our Father.