The Beautiful Story Behind Our New Monstrance
A new Monstrance appeared on the altar during the Stations of the Cross and Benediction at the Church of the Ascension, catching the attention of parishioners. The churchgoers were curious about the origin of the beautiful Monstrance and how it came to their church.
According to parishioner Chris Wasmund, the Monstrance was his way of honoring his late sister, Melanie Rose McKenzie, who passed away in October 2021. Chris reached out to Fr. Gary and inquired about how he could contribute to the church in memory of Melanie. Fr. Gary provided a list of items that the church needed, and one of them was a bigger Monstrance for the sanctuary. Chris thought about it for a few days and decided to donate a Monstrance to the church.
After Fr. Gary and Chris found a suitable Monstrance, it was handmade in Milan, Italy, and engraved with Melanie’s name. Before it was blessed, Chris had the opportunity to view the Monstrance, and he and the parish office began to prepare for the day it would be blessed. Chris suggested having the Monstrance blessed on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022, when Archbishop Naumann was scheduled to celebrate the 10 am Mass. Fr. Gary contacted Archbishop Naumann with Chris’s request, and the Archbishop agreed to bless the new Monstrance.
On November 27, 2022, Chris had the privilege of carrying the Monstrance and presenting it to Archbishop Naumann for the blessing. It was a momentous occasion for Chris and the Church of the Ascension, as the new Monstrance became a beautiful addition to the church.
Chris Wasmund commented, “It has been nice seeing the Monstrance on the Altar during Lent, at Stations of the Cross for Benediction. I have tuned in every week and even served one of the Friday nights. The Adoration hymns bring a few tears because I know that what I have contributed to Ascension — to the memory of Melanie — will be forever at Ascension. Melanie is being remembered, even though the main focus is on Jesus.”
This new Monstrance at the Church of the Ascension is a touching reminder of how one person’s love and generosity can benefit an entire community.