Joshua Bennett
The tabernacle is a vessel that holds the consecrated Eucharist, which Catholics believe contains the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The use of the tabernacle in the Catholic Church has evolved over time, from early receptacles placed on altars to more elaborate structures set aside from the altar. The placement of the tabernacle within a church has also varied, with some churches placing it in a side chapel while others have it in the center of the sanctuary. The tabernacle is typically made from precious metals, stone, or wood and is locked to prevent unauthorized access to the consecrated elements within. The Catholic Church's belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist has influenced the design and placement of the tabernacle, with the goal of fostering adoration and prayer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A box-like or dome-like vessel for the exclusive reservation of the consecrated Eucharist |
| Other names | Sacrament house, aumbry |
| Etymology | Latin, tabernaculum, meaning tent or box |
| History | The custom of making Sacrament Houses arose in the 13th century. The use of the tabernacle became more general after the Council of Trent. |
| Placement | In churches, tabernacles are placed in a distinguished, worthy place, usually in a conspicuous, suitably adorned, and prayer-conducive place. |
| Design | Tabernacles are usually made from precious metals, stone, or wood. They are lockable and secured to the altar or adjacent wall. |
| Purpose | To store the consecrated Eucharist, which Catholics believe contains the real presence of Jesus. |
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What You'll Learn
The tabernacle's history and evolution
The tabernacle is one of the most important elements of Catholic Church architecture. The word tabernacle comes from the Latin 'tabernaculum', meaning tent or box. It is a fixed, locked box, usually made from precious metals, stone or wood, in which the Eucharist (consecrated communion hosts) is stored as part of the "reserved sacrament" rite.
In the early Church, simple receptacles were used to hold the consecrated Eucharist for those who could not make it to Mass. During the 4th to 8th centuries, the use of tabernacles and their placement in the Church differed by region. Some churches used niches or cabinets, while others used movable cone or dove-shaped boxes. In the Middle Ages, there was no uniform custom regarding the placement of the Blessed Sacrament, though the custom of making Sacrament-Houses arose towards the end of the 13th century and lasted until the middle of the 19th century.
In the 11th century, churches began to make tabernacles permanent structures, and in the 12th century, the Church decreed that they should be locked due to security concerns. The use of the tabernacle became widespread in the Church after the Council of Trent, first in France and Italy. In 1614, Pope Paul V imposed on the churches of his diocese of Rome the rule of putting the tabernacle on an altar, making it more visible. In reaction to Protestantism's denial of the reality and permanence of the Real Presence of Christ, it became the practice to place the tabernacle in conspicuous places such as the high altar.
Today, the placement of the tabernacle varies. Some churches place it in a side chapel, while others place it in the center of the sanctuary. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that "the tabernacle is to be situated 'in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honour'".
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The Eucharist and its significance
The Eucharist is a sacred rite in the Catholic Church, believed to have been instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. During the supper, Jesus took bread and wine and stated that they were his body and blood. This event is commemorated in the Mass, where the bread and wine are believed to become the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation.
The Eucharist is reserved in a tabernacle, a locked box or dome-like vessel, usually made from precious materials and secured to the altar or an adjacent wall. The tabernacle gets its name from the Old Testament, where it refers to the locus of God's presence among the Jewish people. The Catholic Church teaches that the body and blood of Christ are truly present in the Eucharist, even after the Mass is over. This belief is referred to as the Real Presence.
The placement of the tabernacle within a church has varied over time and across different regions. In the early Church, the Eucharist was sometimes taken to the homes of the sick and those unable to attend Mass. Later, it was reserved near the altars of churches, with the preferred containers being dove-shaped boxes or "tabernacles." From the 11th century onwards, tabernacles became permanent fixtures, often placed above the altar, in a side chapel, or in a separate sacramentary chapel. The placement of the tabernacle is intended to foster adoration of the Lord and respect for the Blessed Sacrament.
The prominence of the tabernacle's location within a church has been a subject of discussion. Some argue that placing it in a secluded area can negatively impact Eucharistic Adoration and belief in the Real Presence. As a result, many pastors are now restoring the tabernacle to more central and noticeable positions, allowing for easier worship of Christ.
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Placement and design considerations
The placement and design of the tabernacle within a church are guided by several considerations, including the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the need for a dignified and honourable location, and the desire to foster adoration and prayer.
Canon Law, Number 938, states that the tabernacle should be situated in a "distinguished place" in the church or oratory, a place that is "conspicuous, suitably adorned, and conducive to prayer." The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1183) echoes this sentiment, emphasising that the tabernacle should be placed "in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honour."
Historically, the placement of the tabernacle has evolved. In the 4th to 8th centuries, its placement varied by region, with some churches using niches, cabinets, or cone- or dove-shaped boxes. During the 11th century, churches began to make tabernacles permanent structures, and security concerns in the 12th century led to the decree that tabernacles should be locked. In the Middle Ages, there was no uniform custom regarding the placement of the Blessed Sacrament, with some synods specifying that it should be kept above the altar and locked.
In the 16th century, St. Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, played a significant role in promoting the use of the tabernacle, which became widespread after the Council of Trent. However, it was not until 1614 that Pope Paul V mandated the placement of the tabernacle on an altar in the churches of his diocese of Rome. This was in response to Protestantism's denial of the Real Presence of Christ, and it led to the tabernacle becoming larger and more ornate, often placed on the high altar or in a special chapel.
Today, the placement of the tabernacle can vary. Some churches place it in a side chapel, while others place it in the centre of the sanctuary. The decision may be influenced by the number of sightseers or visitors to the church, as in the case of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, where the tabernacle is in a secluded side chapel. The bishop may determine that a side chapel is more suitable for private adoration and prayer while still being noticeable to the faithful.
The design and placement of the tabernacle and altar are carefully considered to ensure they remain central and separate, allowing each to be the focus during different liturgical celebrations and moments of quiet prayer. The design, artwork, and use of space surrounding the tabernacle are also important considerations, contributing to the overall worship experience.
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The role of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Eucharist was instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper, when he took bread and wine and said, "This is my body; this is my blood". Through these words, Jesus indicated that the bread and wine had become his body and blood. This miracle is performed whenever priests, acting under Christ's direction, pronounce these words over the bread and wine during Mass. Thus, the Catholic Church believes in the
The tabernacle is a fixed, locked box made from precious metals, stone, or wood, and is secured to the altar or adjacent wall to prevent the consecrated elements within from being removed without authorization. The word "tabernacle" refers to the Old Testament tabernacle, which was the locus of God's presence among the Jewish people. The Catholic Church's use of the tabernacle became widespread after the Council of Trent, with France and Italy being the first to adopt it. The placement of the tabernacle within churches has varied over time and across regions. In the Middle Ages, there was no uniform custom regarding the placement of the Blessed Sacrament, with some churches using niches or cabinets, and others using movable cone or dove-shaped boxes. During the 11th century, churches began to make tabernacles permanent structures, and in the 12th century, the Church decreed that tabernacles should be locked to prevent theft. In 1614, Pope Paul V imposed on his diocese of Rome the rule of placing the tabernacle on an altar, making it more visible.
The Catholic Church provides guidance on the placement of the tabernacle within churches. Canon Law Number 938 states that "the tabernacle in which the blessed Eucharist is reserved should be situated in a distinguished place in the church or oratory, a place that is conspicuous, suitably adorned, and conducive to prayer." 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 honour'." The book Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, section 9, states that "the place for the reservation of the Eucharist should be truly prominent." Some churches place the tabernacle in a side chapel, separate from the main altar, to foster a quiet and private atmosphere for prayer and adoration. However, the placement of the tabernacle in a secluded location has been criticized by some as diminishing the importance of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The design and placement of the tabernacle and altar are important aspects of Catholic Church architecture. The tabernacle and altar should be central and visually prominent while also allowing for separate spaces for the liturgy of the Eucharist and quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The design, artwork, and use of space around the tabernacle contribute to the overall worship experience and reflect the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
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The tabernacle in modern times
In modern times, the placement of the tabernacle varies across Catholic churches. While some churches have the tabernacle in a side chapel, others have it in the center of the sanctuary. The placement of the tabernacle is determined by the bishop, who may deem it more appropriate to be placed in a side chapel suitable for private adoration and prayer. This is particularly relevant in churches that are frequently visited by sightseers, such as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, where the tabernacle is located in a secluded side chapel.
However, there has been a recent trend among pastors to restore the tabernacle to more prominent positions in the center of the sanctuary. This change in placement has been associated with a resurgence in Eucharistic Adoration and an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life within these parishes.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1183) emphasizes that the tabernacle should be situated "in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor." Canon Law, Number 938, further guides that the tabernacle should be placed in a distinguished, conspicuous, suitably adorned, and prayerful setting within the church or oratory.
The tabernacle itself is typically a small case or cabinet made of precious metals, stone, or wood. It is securely locked and fixed to the altar or an adjacent wall to prevent unauthorized removal of the consecrated Eucharist within. The Eucharist, consisting of consecrated communion hosts, is believed to contain the real presence of Jesus, and thus the tabernacle serves as a focal point for reflection, meditation, and prayer.
While the use of the tabernacle became widespread within the Catholic Church after the Council of Trent, its placement and design have continued to evolve over time. The tabernacle's role as a dwelling place for the Eucharist and its significance in Catholic worship remain central to modern Catholic practice.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Tabernacle is a box-like or dome-like vessel that holds the consecrated Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the real presence of Jesus.
The use of the Catholic Tabernacle became more common after the Council of Trent, with France and Italy being the first to adopt it. In the 11th century, churches began to make tabernacles permanent structures, and in the 12th century, the Church decreed that they should be locked to prevent theft.
The design of the Catholic Tabernacle has evolved from simple receptacles on the altar to more elaborate structures set aside from the altar. In the Middle Ages, there was no uniform custom regarding the placement of the Blessed Sacrament, with some churches using niches or cabinets, while others used cone or dove-shaped boxes. Today, the Tabernacle is typically located in a distinguished and conspicuous place in the church, such as the high altar or a special chapel.
The placement of the Catholic Tabernacle varies depending on the church's architectural design and the number of sightseers it attracts. In churches with many visitors, such as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Tabernacle may be placed in a side chapel to protect the dignity of the sacrament and facilitate quiet prayer. In other churches, the Tabernacle may be located in the center of the sanctuary, making it a focal point for worship and adoration.
