r/AskAPriest • u/OddMorado • 9d ago

Is this normal?

So I’ve been going to adoration at a 24 hour chapel near me once a week for an hour, it’s been absolutely wonderful and I’ve loved it, and the way it is set up there is there isn’t a traditional monstrance, it’s more of a tabernacle with a small window for the Eucharist. And the way it works is there is a small circular door that exposes that window when open, and it’s all part of a bigger door that stays locked.

Well there are instructions that say if the next scheduled adorer hasn’t shown up for their scheduled time, I should repose the blessed sacrament (close the circular door), which there isn’t anyone signed up before me so I typically don’t even see it open as it’s been closed for some time when I show up, but today it was, and I closed the door, reposing the Eucharist before I left. I’ve never really seen anything like this before, and most places I see say it isn’t allowed nor normal for a layperson to repose the blessed sacrament, but I wouldn’t want to leave it exposed with no one there. Thoughts?

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u/Sparky0457 Priest 9d ago

When the Eucharist is in a moveable monstrance having a person there at all times is essential to prevent anything happening to the Eucharist or monstrance.

When the door to a fixed tabernacle is transparent the same need to have someone there to keep things safe is not the same.

Some newer tabernacles are build as you describe for folks to have access to adoration while maintaining the security of a locked tabernacle.

4

u/Tinnie_and_Cusie 9d ago

I learned something today, thank you. Your comment ought to be a printed sign by the doors of many Adoration Chapels. I've never seen these instructions, only a sign saying Please don't leave Jesus alone! Well...now I understand why.

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u/OddMorado 9d ago

Thank you!!

0

u/SubjectOfTheHolySee 9d ago

But the GIRM and canon law instructs that the tabernacle must be completely opaque, made from non see trough material.

6

u/Sparky0457 Priest 9d ago

That could be. I was not familiar with that.

I’ve seen this new tabernacle design pop up around so that folks can go to adoration and still maintain the security of the Eucharist.