Dear Father: I’m a new Catholic, and I’ve noticed that in some churches the tabernacle is in a side chapel, but in other churches it is in the center of the sanctuary. Why is it different in some churches, and is there a specific place it should be? – C.J
Dear C.J.: I recall once visiting a church and looking for the tabernacle but wasn’t able to find it because it was hidden in what appeared to be a back, windowless closet. I don’t think most people would keep their pets in such a place. What a way to treat the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist!
What we believe the Eucharist to be is seen in the place we give it in our churches.
For instance, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the tabernacle is in a somewhat secluded side chapel for people wanting to pray. With this chapel, the pope is protecting the Blessed Sacrament from the thousands of daily visitors to St. Peter’s, a number of whom have little or no understanding of what the Eucharist is.
Most are there as sightseers of museum pieces, not as parishioners wishing to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. To have the tabernacle in the front and center of the high altar would be disrespectful of the sacrament and would make quiet prayer impossible.
Most of our parish churches aren’t loaded with sightseers descending on them daily. Thus, it isn’t necessary to move the tabernacle off to a side chapel for those wishing to pray and to protect the dignity of the sacrament.
Many parishes have the tabernacle prominently displayed in the sanctuary, inviting worship of Christ as people come into the church whether for Mass or Adoration.
One source of guidance concerning the placement of the tabernacle in our churches is found in Canon Law, Number 938: “The tabernacle in which the blessed Eucharist is reserved should be situated in a distinguished place in the church or oratory, a place which is conspicuous, suitably adorned and conducive to prayer.”
Another essential source to read is the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. In paragraph 314, we read, “In accordance with the structure of each church and legitimate local customs, the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, conspicuous, worthily decorated, and suitable for prayer.”
The location of the tabernacle in any church is left to the judgment of the diocesan bishop, as paragraph 315 states. Thus, the tabernacle may be placed in the sanctuary apart from the altar where Mass is celebrated “not excluding its being positioned on an old altar no longer used for celebration.”
Additionally, the bishop may determine that in some churches it is more fitting that the tabernacle be placed “in some side chapel suitable for the private adoration and prayer of the faithful and organically connected to the church and readily noticeable by the Christian faithful.” The reason for this is that the church, like St Peter’s in Rome, is overcome by sightseers.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1183, notes that “the tabernacle is to be situated ‘in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.’ The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.”
And again, the book Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, section 9, says that the “place for the reservation of the Eucharist should be truly prominent. It is highly recommended that the place be suitable for private adoration and prayer so that the faithful may easily, fruitfully, and constantly honor the Lord, present in the sacrament, through personal worship.”
The U.S. bishops underlined the importance of the visibility of the tabernacle in churches particularly when Mass in not being celebrated (Built of Living Stones, #80).
Worldwide, until more contemporary decades, when churches were built the tabernacle was “front and center” so that when one entered the church, one’s eyes were drawn to the sanctuary. There one would find the specially adorned tabernacle drawing each person to consider its importance on account of “Who” resided in it.
There was a time when older churches were being renovated. Often the tabernacle was moved to a side chapel, sometimes invisible or at least difficult to find. As a result, there was a noticeable decline in Eucharistic Adoration.
I can’t help but wonder how much this architectural change contributed to the lack of belief among Catholics of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Many pastors are restoring the tabernacle to more prominent positions in their churches, typically in the center of the sanctuary. As a result, Eucharistic Adoration is beginning to flourish again. While I don’t have scientific statistics for it, there is an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life associated with parishes where tabernacles are restored and where Eucharistic Adoration is regular.
I’m reminded of the verse in John 12:21: “We want to see Jesus.” Indeed, we need to see Jesus, to spend time with Him before the tabernacle. Conversely, Jesus wants to see us. Let’s go and kneel before Him present in our tabernacles!
