Editing Monstrance (section)

== Liturgical context ==
In the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] tradition, at the moment of [[consecration]] the elements (called "gifts" for liturgical purposes) are transformed (literally [[transubstantiation|transubstantiated]]) into the body and blood of Christ. Catholic doctrine holds that the elements are not only spiritually transformed, but are (substantially) transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Although the elements retain the appearance, or [[Accident (philosophy)|accidents]] of bread and wine, they become the body and blood of Christ. The presence of [[Jesus]] Christ God in the Eucharist is known as the doctrine of the [[Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist|Corporeal Presence]] within the [[Magisterium|Roman Catholic Magisterium]]. The Corporeal Presence is believed to be real (in {{Langx|la|realiter}}) and of the whole (''totaliter'') Christ, in [[Body of Christ|Body]], [[Anima Christi|Soul]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]]. The name "Corporeal Presence" concerns the [[Corporal (liturgy)|Corporal]] reserved to the [[chalice (cup)|chalice]], [[paten]] and the [[ciborium (container)|ciborium]] during the [[Mass (liturgy)|Holy Mass]].

Other Christians (notably in the [[Anglican Church]], Old Catholic Church, and [[Lutheran Church]]) accept the doctrine of the [[Real Presence]], whilst rejecting transubstantiation as a philosophical concept (''cf''. [[sacramental union]]). Owing to these beliefs, the consecrated elements are given the same adoration and devotion that Christians of these traditions accord to Christ himself.

Within churches of these traditions the reserved sacrament serves as a focal point of religious devotion. In many of them, during Eucharistic adoration, the celebrant displays the sacrament in the monstrance, typically on the [[Altar#In Western Christian churches|altar]]. When not being displayed, the reserved sacrament is locked in a [[Church tabernacle|tabernacle]] (more common in Roman Catholicism) or [[aumbry]] (more common in the other traditions mentioned).