The very first post in this series was titled “Reservation, Adoration, Exposition, and Benediction: The Eucharist Outside of Mass.” Earlier posts covered the history and practice of reserving the Eucharist which, in time, led to the norm and use of tabernacles in the Church. A previous post also discussed the lexicon of the Catholic faith with regard to reverence for the Eucharist. The precise term is latria which in our time is translated as “adore” or “worship” – and is reserved for use in speaking of God and because of our doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist – also when referring to the Eucharist. Continue reading →

The previous post asked: “What impact would the reforms of Vatican II have on the placement of the tabernacle in Catholic Churches – especially the ones being designed and built in the years following Vatican II? Today’s post offers an answer to that question. Continue reading →

The first norms governing tabernacles were only promulgated in the Middle Ages. While monastic communities internally developed some norms and practices, there were no uniform customs regarding where tabernacles were to be located in churches. The Church had been operating for more than 1200 years. Continue reading →

The Church has always been conscious of the respectful care of consecrated Eucharist and in providing for a place where the Eucharist can be kept at the conclusion of Mass. This place is now commonly known as the Tabernacle. The Latin word is tabernaculum, a hut or tent and conveys the idea of a structure at which or in which to dwell or to rest. Continue reading →

This series does not undertake to explain the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist; that is perhaps for another time, although the Catechism is an excellent place to begin your own research (para. 1373 is a good starting point). Our starting point will be in the reservation of the Eucharist. Continue reading →