The Tabernacle
According to the Encyclopedia of Catholicism,
“the tabernacle is a container in the Church in which the Eucharistic
bread is reserved. The tabernacle holds the bread primarily for the
purpose of Viaticum (Holy Communion for the dying) and secondarily for
Communion outside of Mass and for adoration and devotion. From the
early days of the Church, the sacrament has been reserved for the sick
and dying in a variety of ways and locations. The location was actually
never legislated until the 19th century, when it was required
that it be placed into the high altar. Reforms following Vatican II
(after 1965) changed pastoral practice. Each Church is to have one
tabernacle, preferably located in a chapel separate and distinct from
the body of the Church.”
The tabernacle is a special place where Jesus
is present. Since the primary reason for gathering in the Church is to
celebrate the Mass, the focus should be the altar. Please, understand
that the location of the tabernacle was changed to highlight the altar
since this is the place where the sacrifice of Jesus occurs during the
celebration of the Mass. For this reason the altar is reverenced
(kissed) at the beginning and end of Mass. Let us have great respect
for both the altar and tabernacle. |
