How to the Blessed Sacrament Chaplet

Bread consecrated during the Catholic Mass.

The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet is a traditional Catholic prayer that focuses on Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament---the bread and wine after it is consecrated during mass. A chaplet is a string of beads, similar to a rosary, used in prayer. The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet consists of 33 beads joined together to form a circle, which is attached to a medal signifying the Blessed Sacrament. Each bead represents a year Christ spent on Earth, while the medal is a symbol of Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet was approved on May 30, 1911 by Pope Pius X. Praying the Chaplet grants indulgence, which is a blessing that pays retribution for sins committed, to everyone in the entire world each time it is recited.

Things You'll Need

• Blessed Sacrament Chaplet

Instructions

1. Hold the chaplet in your left hand. Make the sign of the cross with your right hand, as you recite, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." To make the sign of the cross touch your forehead at the mention of "Father," the middle of your chest at the mention of "Son," your left shoulder on the word "Holy," and your right shoulder on the word "Spirit." Close your right hand and place it over your heart as you say "Amen."

2. Focus on the medal of the Blessed Sacrament. Contemplate the meaning of the Blessed Sacrament in your life. Hold the medal of the Blessed Sacrament between the fingers of your left hand as you recite the following: "As I cannot now receive Thee, my Jesus, in Holy Communion, come spiritually into my heart, and make it Thine own forever."

3. Move your fingers from the medal onto the first bead. Pray the following prayer as you contemplate Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament: "Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on the altar have mercy on us."

4. Continue reciting the prayer in Step 3, once on each of the remaining 32 beads. Meditate on Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament as you say each prayer.

5. Say a personal prayer of thanksgiving once you have completed the 33 prayers, if you so choose. Complete the Chaplet by making the sign of the cross.

Tips & Warnings

• For those unable to take part in communion, this chaplet is a wonderful devotion that helps them make a spiritual communion with Christ.

References

• Catholic Culture: The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet
• Prayerbook: The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet
• Catholic Doors: The Blessed Sacrament Chaplet

Resources

• Aquinas and More: Chaplet of the Blessed Sacrament
• Rosary Shop: Blessed Sacrament Chaplet