Tabernacle: all about the important place in the Catholic Church

The tabernacle is the place where the Eucharist is kept in the Catholic Church through the hosts, it is the place destined to be the home of God. Throughout history different types of tabernacle have been destined, but the aim has always been the same, to keep Christ sacramentalised, for this reason it has been given a privileged place so that His adoration and communion with God can be solemnised, bearing in mind that it is the most sacred place in the Church. Below we invite you to know a little more about this sacred symbol where the Blessed Sacrament is kept.

What is a tabernacle?

The tabernacle is the place where the elements reserved for the Eucharist are kept, which are offered in the Sacraments and through which Christ is received in Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Priestly Ordination and Marriage. In the past, the tabernacle could be moved and the presence of God could be brought to the sick and those absent from Mass.

Through the tabernacle, faith and the presence of Christ were deepened, so that the Church became aware of the value of the Lord’s Prayer under the different Eucharistic species, becoming the sacred symbol of the dwelling place and the house of God, for which reason it is so important and has preserved its sacred meaning throughout the centuries.

The history

There is no record of the tabernacle before the 5th century. At that time, there was a small box-shaped vessel called a pyx, a sacred vessel that hung over the altar and contained the Eucharistic particles. This type of vessel had existed since the first centuries, as is shown by the frescoes found in the catacombs of St Callixtus on the outskirts of the city of Rome, which was the first official cemetery of the Roman community in the second century.

The pyx was not used for liturgical worship at that time, but was used to keep the sacred species in the sacristy so that communion could be given to the sick. These vessels were small in size and capacity. They were made of precious materials, initially boxwood, ivory and later beautifully decorated metal.

The important thing was that these vessels kept the hosts safe and well sealed, what was required of the members of the Church was that they be placed in a clean and visible place, later, in the meeting of synods, bishops and diocesans established for the Middle Ages that this symbol be placed in a high place on an altar and protected with a lock under key.

Later, the species of the Eucharist began to be kept on a shelf dug into a wall or pillar, and in the 15th century the use of tabernacles in churches was consolidated.

The Council of Trent is the historical moment when an important defence of the sacraments was made against activities or beliefs that did not conform to the customs established by the Church and were called heresies, and for this reason the placement of tabernacles in all churches was established.

In this way the tabernacle took a central and important place, being the symbol of God’s presence and dwelling place, and in this way the Church manifested its belief in the Eucharist as a sacrifice and not as a memorial.

Types of tabernacles

Since the 11th century, various types of tabernacles have been recorded for the storage and protection of the Blessed Sacrament:

• Conditorium, or First Tabernacle, was a cupboard containing a small Eucharistic chest, placed in temples and private homes.
• The propitiatory, a small wooden box placed at the back of the altar, which contained the pyx and was characterised by its mobility, was the forerunner of the modern tabernacle.
• The Eucharistic Dove, it was a box used in the 11th century to keep the Holy Eucharist, it was usually suspended from the ceiling of the canopy of the churches, it consisted of a cloth canopy that covered the altar, by means of which it could be lowered and raised, this box was made of metal, gold or silver, it was placed on a disc or base that was connected by fine chains that hung from the canopy.
• Secretarium, this was a special cupboard used in the XII century, it was placed in the churches specifically in the room dedicated to the sacristy, which was the place where the vestments and objects necessary for the cult were kept, later the Secretarium became the cupboard where the holy oils or sacred oils were kept, used in religious ceremonies where they were consecrated to the kings, baptisms, weddings and anointing the sick.
• These were small rooms or cabinets built into the wall where the altar was located, with a door and a lock, in which the pyx containing the sacrament was placed. The construction of these tabernacles was monumental, they were exquisitely decorated, especially in the Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles of the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries.
• They were monumental structures of great height with the shape of a tower or a Gothic spire, built next to the altar, in this structure the Blessed Sacrament was placed in a transparent vessel that could be seen through a grille, this tabernacle was locked with a key and through this grille it could be permanently exposed to the faithful, this type of structure was mainly present in Germany, France and the Netherlands.
• Altar tabernacles were widely used from the 8th to the 16th century. They were very richly decorated and were placed on the sacrificial table, which meant that they were proportionate in size to the altar. This is the type of tabernacle used today, which was made compulsory by the Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites No. 21 Ad Gentes – ag of 1863.

At present, the Code of Canon Law states that “the tabernacle is intended for cathedral-type churches or those similar to them, in all parish churches or in churches and oratories belonging to a religious institution or apostolic society; it is categorically forbidden for persons or private individuals to keep the tabernacle with the Holy Eucharist in their homes”.

Characteristics of the tabernacle

The tabernacle is the place reserved for the Most Holy Eucharist, generally there is only one in each church or oratory, and it is placed in the most prestigious place of these enclosures, in a prominent position, adorned according to its solemnity and in a manner suitable for prayer.

The tabernacles are chambers designed to protect the hosts; they are generally made of a metal structure, later covered with gold or silver, in which two parts are identified: the inner cover, where the consecrated hosts are protected, and the outer one, which is the protective chamber and is visible to the parishioners.

Both parts usually have a solemn design and are enriched by the inclusion of various decorative elements, such as engravings, enamels, jewels, etc., generally depicting scenes typical of the nun and the period in which they were designed; often the inner part is the most beautifully decorated.

In the front part of the tabernacle there should be an element that gives light, be it a lamp or a candle, in this way the presence of Christ is pointed out and honoured. It is important that this place, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Eucharistic activity, is recognised by all who enter the church.

In churches where there is no chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the tabernacle is placed at the high altar, since this is the most appropriate place for the preservation and adoration of the Eucharist, avoiding placing the celebrations of the church in front of its structure. It is advisable to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is as close as possible to the presbytery, the space closest to the high altar, which in most cases is in the main nave of the church, protected by a railing.

If the church is small and does not have a sufficiently large high altar, it is advisable to place the tabernacle in the presbytery, in a high place in the centre of the apse, which is the back of the high altar, or in another place, as long as it is visible to the parishioners.

The tabernacle should not be moved, should be made of solid, non-transparent material, and should be conveniently closed to prevent desecration. The person in charge of the church must ensure that the key to the tabernacle is kept safe.

The tabernacle can be made of wood, stone or metal, its external form is adapted to the architectural style of the time in which it is designed, the internal walls of the tabernacle are generally gold, silver, the exterior must be covered with a white canopy supported by four poles, but this can change according to the colours of the ornamentation of the church, this mantle is called pallium.

On or in front of the tabernacle, no relics or images to be venerated may be exposed, nor may any vases be placed to cover them.

The tabernacle guards the ciborium or chalice intended for the consecrated hosts, in a quantity that corresponds to the faithful of the Church, who are frequently removed to consume them in an appropriate manner.

In the city of Granada – Spain, are the most specialized workshops of tabernacles, their works are in the different churches of the five continents, the qualification of its craftsmen accumulated from the experiences of centuries have mastered the techniques of its design, which are adapted to the requests of those concerned, according to their cultures and devotions, achieving a personalized attention that allows the customer to participate in the design process of the piece, thus achieving that the tabernacles are a unique piece of religious art.

Liturgical norms

The liturgical norms explicitly describe how the tabernacle is to be used, the most important of which are as follows

• The place designated in the church or oratory for the Eucharist in the tabernacle should be a prominent and convenient place for private prayer, so that the faithful may venerate the Blessed Sacrament in private adoration.
• The tabernacle should be placed in a place in the church or oratory that is clearly noble, prominent, harmoniously decorated and suitable for prayer.
• The tabernacle must not be moved from its place; it must be made of a solid material that is not transparent; it must have a lock to prevent unfortunate acts of desecration, and therefore great care must be taken to protect the key, which must be of plant or gold; if it is of another metal, it must be of a gold or silver colour.
• The tabernacle should have a veil or conopeo, white or in the colour of the liturgy of the day, and a lamp, which may be made of oil, wax or any other substance, and which should be kept burning.
• The design of the tabernacle must be in harmony with the rest of the altar, so it should be made of strong materials and wood should be used only for the outer covering.
• It must have only one opening, and the interior should be gold or silver in colour, covered with white silk.
• No artificial light should be placed in it, nor should it serve as a base for any kind of image, relic or other element.

What does the light in the tabernacle mean?

In the time of Moses, God gave him instructions to build a mobile sanctuary, this was the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting dedicated to Jehovah – Yahweh, the only God of the Christians and it is the first element of articulation of the sacred spaces which was covered by a conopeo which was a veil and a lamp in which His presence was indicated.

The tabernacle in the churches is the symbol of the house of God and the lamp or candle represents that God is present, so it is a reminder to the faithful of the presence of Christ, his love and affection, through the same light, since he is the light of the world that illuminates the way that leads to the Father and allows us to move away from darkness and gloom, therefore it is a guide that accompanies us in all Christian acts.

It is also a reminder of the first Christians who celebrated the Eucharist by consecrating the bread and wine in memory of the death and resurrection of Jesus in the catacombs, which is why these religious rites are celebrated with candles.

Ways of preserving the Blessed Sacrament

The methods of preserving the Blessed Sacrament are through prayer, accompanying Jesus at the moment He sacrificed Himself for mankind. The following is a brief guide to preserving the symbolism of the Blessed Sacrament.

• First greeting, on entering the church, enter with respect and silence, bow to the place where the tabernacle is, kneel with both knees in front of it, and make the sign of the cross, remembering that you are in the house of God.
• Once you have bowed, you can go to any of the pews in the church and kneel down and say a prayer to prepare your heart to receive God. You can say it spontaneously or you can say the prayers in the devotional books. We suggest the prayer of the Holy Father Pius XII.

“O most sweet Jesus, who art under the Eucharistic veils, compassionately hear our submissive supplications, to show them to the throne of the Most High, attend now to the ardent hopes of our hearts. Enlighten our intellects, reaffirm our energies, revitalize our perseverance, and enlighten in our hearts the flame of a holy fervor, so that, prevailing in our littleness and mastering every difficulty, we may know how to render you an homage unworthy of your greatness and majesty and appropriate to our longings and holy desires. Amen”.

• Do a spiritual reading and a meditation, you can choose your reading from the bible or from the devotional book, but keep in mind that it is convenient to read the gospel of the day, after you have done your reading, do a silent meditation on what you have just read.
• It is important that in these moments you try to silence your mind and your feelings, so that you can hear what God wants to tell you, you have to take into account that through silence opens the doors that predisposes the soul to listen to His voice.
• When you read a chapter of the Bible, try to imagine the scene, reflect and meditate on what it means, how you would participate and how you would feel.
• Write, this practice can be very useful, so you can keep a diary of the Blessed Sacrament, where you can write down the meditations of what you have just felt and thought, this will help you in the development of your spiritual life, remember that you have talked with God, these moments strengthen the essence of the human being.
• After your meditation, you can pray a prayer about the Eucharist or any other prayer that you like and that connects you with God.
• Make Eucharistic Communion, before the Blessed Sacrament you can receive it in your heart through spiritual communion, you can also pray five times the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be. Here is a beautiful prayer for you to complete your Eucharistic Communion.

“I believe in you, my Lord Jesus Christ, that you are real and that you are in heaven and that you are real and in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things and for this reason I desire that you touch me and guide me, so I ask you to be spiritually at my side in my heart. In this way I receive you and embrace you. Lord, I ask you not to forsake me or allow me to turn away from you. Amen”.

• At the end of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, say a farewell prayer, which can be your own or you can choose one from the devotional book, it is important that you give thanks for the moment of dialogue you have had with God, offer a prayer for someone who is in need, you can also ask for something that you need.

Tabernacle of the Vatican

The Tabernacle of the Vatican is located inside the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. Peter’s Basilica, this work was made by the Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which began in 1623 to 1634 is a work of four columns culminating in a canopy, is made of black and gilded bronze, It is located in the central area of the transept of the Basilica, under the dome, this infrastructure beautifully combines sculptural and architectural elements that cover the main altar, which is additionally located on the crypt of the tomb of the Apostle St. Peter.

This concludes our information on the Tabernacle. If you have enjoyed this article, we invite you to learn more about other topics of interest through the following links:

• Do you know all about Catholic Christianity? Find out here
• Founder of Christianity: Who is he? Catholic, Protestant origins and more.
• Christian rites: Catholic, funeral, celebrations, baptism, Protestant and more.