Catholics-the place of the tabernacle?

Question

Shouldn't the tabernacle be given a place of prime importance in the church, since it holds the body of Christ, rather than being relegated to the blessed sacrament room most of the time? You would think this item would be mounted front and center, replacing the crucifix and the statues of Mary and Joseph, perhaps even part of the altar. If this is truly Jesus, why is it not given the utmost importance when you walk into the church?

Answer 1

The placement of the Tabernacle was revisited after Vatican II.

The "Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery" (1967 issued regulations (later incorporated into the new "Code of Canon Law") concerning tabernacles (cf. No. 52-57 and Canons 934 944): The holy Eucharist may be reserved only on one altar or one place in any church, and a vigil lamp must bum at all times to indicate and honor the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This tabernacle must be immovable, made of solid and opaque material, and locked to prevent theft or desecration of the Blessed Sacrament. The tabernacle "should be placed in a part of the Church that is prominent, conspicuous, beautifully
decorated, and suitable for prayer" (Canon 938).

To promote prayer and devotion, the "Instruction" stated "It is therefore recommended that, as far as possible, the tabernacle be placed in a chapel distinct from the middle or central part of the church, above all in those churches where marriages and funerals take place frequently, and in places which are much visited for their artistic or historical treasures" (No. 53).

Therefore in some Churches the Tabernacle is now placed by itself in its own chapel. This way some can worship Jesus Christ residing in it in the chapel while Mass is going on in the main church.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I've seen many placements of the tabernacle in Catholic churches I have visited. I agree with you completely that it should be given prime importance, though that can be done while still having a prominent crucifix.

When entering a Catholic church for the first time, I always look for the sanctuary light because in some churches it's not always easy to spot the tabernacle itself right away. I do prefer to see it front and center, but placement toward one side may have more to do with quirks of church architecture than anything else. It's not any less prominent.

Placing the tabernacle in another room, completely away from the sanctuary, is another thing entirely -- although I can see that if security is a major issue, adequately protecting the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle may necessitate this. But unless it's built into a wall, surely during Mass it should be in the sanctuary.

Answer 3

This is an important point of debate.

I think that many churches have an adoration chapel for the tabernacle is that it is a place of peace and quiet that is reserved specifically for the tabernacle. It is not a move to make the Eucharist less important. It is a place where people can go any time of the night or day, any day of the week and spend some time with our Lord. The church is a holy place and the adoration chapel is the holiest of the holy places.

At times, there are wedding rehersals, choir practices, decorating of the main sanctuary for liturgical season, etc that can make it difficult to concentrate on God. This does not happen in the adoration chapel.

Answer 4

>>You would think this item would be mounted front and center<<

In many churches it is.

>>replacing the crucifix and the statues of Mary and Joseph perhaps even part of the altar.<<

There is room for all; no need to replace/displace anything.

Answer 5

As a former Catholic, my answer would be that it is not consecrated until the priest blesses it during the mass. Without the blessing, it is not Jesus' body...to my knowledge.

Interestingly, the church I used to attend did not have the "adoration" that you hear about. I suppose some parishes are more strict than others.