I'm against it.
I don't mind elaborate monstrances, or simple ones with little or no ornament, but it seems to me figurative monstrances distract from the Eucharistic mystery. Sometimes designs for monstrances w ant to express every little - or big - detail of the faith. When in fact everything is contained in the the simplicity of the Blessed Sacrament. Our devotion finds it source in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, so it seems to me introducing or mixing it up with other devotions and or 'causes'. It's why I sometimes think adoration should be encouraged with the Blessed Sacrament reposed in the tabernacle, or even in a veiled ciborium, and exposition made more solemn with Benediction by a priest. Today is 'Adoration Day' at a few parishes near me. Laity repose the Blessed Sacrament - with no Benediction. Sometimes if a funeral takes place, laity move the Blessed Sacrament unceremoniously to a chapel, to continue adoration. They may do so with devotion, but it strikes me as bit pedestrian and much too casual. Frequently, even when the priest reposes the luna containing the Blessed Sacrament, he does so without ceremony - that is, without any form of closure, such as the Divine Praises or some hymn.
The decline in reverence and faith in the Eucharist can't just be blamed on liturgical abuses often connected with the Ordinary Form of Mass. Just as Mass attendance wouldn't necessarily increase if only the Extraordinary Form was in wider use, Eucharistic devotion isn't necessarily increased by elaborate monstrances. I'm convinced that if the Blessed Sacrament was restored to the center of the church, in a suitable tabernacle, and of course in direct proximity to the altar of sacrifice, the disconnect from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass would no longer be possible.
As for figurative monstrances, they have their place, but it seems to me they need to represent the mystery they contain. Elements of the Passion; angel or saint adorers of the body, blood, soul, and divinity surrounding the nimbus, as well as signs of the Kingship of Christ seem fine to me. Yet if the Blessed Virgin is incorporated I would almost think it would be more appropriate to see her as part of the stem or support, or flanking the monstrance. I love the imagery of the Ark of the Covenant, but for me it detracts from the Blessed Sacrament - it seems appropriate as a tabernacle, but not as an ostensorium. Obviously, others more knowledgeable than myself will disagree.
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
I don't like this monstrance
but yes, this seems acceptable.
Yes.
This is my preferred style of monstrance.
Yes
