Does anyone know the difference between a Capsula and a Luna?
A:
The container that actually holds the eucharist is called a ciborium, it resembles the chalice except it has a lid usually topped with a cross, dove, or image of christ. The eucharist is distributed from the ciborium. The container in which the ciborium is reserved is called a tabernacle. The glass disc that contains a large host for adoration is called a luna, and is kept in a round container called a capsula, the luna is placed in a monstrance during benediction of the blessed sacrament. Both the capsula and the ciborium are covered with a veil within the tabernacle.
A circular receptacle with glass sides, metal circled with gold or gilded metal to hold the Sacred Host upright in the monstrance. It is a sacred vessel, having received the priest's blessing. It is sometimes called a lunette. (Etym. Latin luna, moon.)
I thought the capsula and the luna were the same thing, but apparently not. Perhaps some clergy or someone more knowledgeable than me on board could clarify. Perhaps the capsula holds the luna?