The Carfin monstrance was designed by Monsieur Dupon and manufactured by a leading jeweller in Brussells.

It was brought from the proceeds of the sale of jewellery gifted by the parishioners and pilgrims of Carfin. The lunette is made from the gold of deceased parishioners’ and pilgrims’ wedding rings.

The monstrance symbolises Christ the King, High Priest and Victim. The Cross is modelled on the famous Celtic Cross of Congand and the Chalice is a copy of the Celtic Chalice of Ardagh, one of the treasures of the British Museum. The Blood – formed of rubies – falls into the Chalice.

A photograph was sent to a Belgian Capuchin priest at the Vatican who showed it to Pope Pius XI. “It is so beautiful”, said the Pope “that it deserves to be sent here. If you will do this I will bless”.

It was blessed by him on Christmas Day, 1934. The Monstrance stands three feet high. On special Feast Days it was carried in procession around the grounds of the Grotto.