Question
Has Benediction always been the same? Can you do the stations of the cross and benediction together?
--Really in Raleigh
Answer
Canonist John Huels has written:
Eucharistic benediction was first referred to as a "liturgical function" in 1958 by the Sacred Congregation of Rites. It first became a distinct liturgical celebration in 1973 with the publication of the rite of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass (HCWE). Prior to 1973, benediction should be classified as a pious or sacred exercise (a devotion), not an official rite of the Church. It was governed more by custom than by law.
Today, eucharistic expostition and benediction is a liturgical rite (a sacramental). As such, this liturgy is to be observed as given in the ritual. This precludes the benediction from being tacked onto the stations of the cross, unless the complete rite is observed with adoration, prayer, song and, optionally, a celebration of the liturgy of the hours (HCWE, nn. 93-100).