Has this been announced anywhere else?
It would certainly be in keeping with what Pope Benedict wrote in his post synodal apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis:
"The correct positioning of the tabernacle contributes to the recognition of Christ's real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the place where the eucharistic species are reserved, marked by a sanctuary lamp, should be readily visible to everyone entering the church. It is therefore necessary to take into account the builiding's architecture: in churches which do not have a Blessed Sacrament chapel, and where the high altar with its tabernacle is still in place, it is appropriate to continue to use this structure for the reservation and adoration of the Eucharist, taking care not to place the celebrant's chair in front of it."In some cathedrals, there is a very prominent Blessed Sacrament Chapel, but if a Cathedral is no bigger than a large church, it would seem to me far more preferable to have the Tabernacle in a central position. (For liturgical rigour, the Blessed Sacrament could, of course, be removed when the Bishop celebrates. Liturgists would have to advise as to whether this is a possibility, a recommendation, something advisable or something required. I don't have the law on this matter readily available.)
If you visit the Cathedral's website, you will notice that the good Bishop will make himself available for confessions from 11pm to 11:30pm Christmas Eve, prior to the Midnight Mass.
UPDATE: This reflection will be repeated Friday December 23rd on EWTN UK at 09:30 and 19:00 hours GMT and on EWTN in the US on Wednesday December 21st at 11pm PT/Thursday 22nd 2am ET.
But will the Bishop's example be followed in parishes?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Father John, for Christmas from a motel on M6 on way to help in north Wales for a fortnight over Christmas. So much for being "in retirement"!
Many moons ago a priest in our local chapel of ease took a vote on whether the tabernacle should be moved from the wall behind the altar to be stuck on a stick to the side. It was duly moved. Those in favour: 0 Those against: about 20. Perhaps he just wanted to demonstrate that the Church is not a democracy.
ReplyDeleteArchbishop Kelly (when he was still Bishop of Salford) reordered Salford Cathedral with the Blessed Sacrament positioned in the tabernacle on the original High Altar.
ReplyDeleteFather Eamonn
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine a more rewarding "retirement"! May you have a blessed and happy Christmas.
In my parish, someone no doubt influenced by the spirit of Vatical II, decided that the tabernacle should be placed in the boiler room. Fortunately, it was later brought back to the sanctuary, but this had to be done without consulting the liturgical office of the diocese, because it was known that permission would be refused.
ReplyDeleteIn my parish, someone no doubt influenced by the spirit of Vatical II, decided that the tabernacle should be placed in the boiler room. Fortunately, it was later brought back to the sanctuary, but this had to be done without consulting the liturgical office of the diocese, because it was known that permission would be refused.
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to understand the point of moving the tabernacle off the altar, even when I have had the alleged rationale behind it explained to me. It makes no sense -- except as an indication that, after all, the Blessed Sacrament is not so very important. That at any rate is the message that has been actually conveyed.
ReplyDeleteYes, I watched the Advent Reflection too (broadcast last Sunday at 3:30pm on EWTN).
ReplyDeleteBishop Mark said the following, with great warmth and joy:
(talking about the Real Presence) "... So this cathedral of ours never stands empty. The bishop's chair, the cathedra, which gives the cathedral its name, does stand empty most of the time, when the bishop is not here teaching or presiding. And while many of the vast cathedrals of the world have beautiful chapels where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved for prayer and adoration throughout the day, its is out plan, here at Shrewsbury, one of the world's smaller cathedrals, to restore the tabernacle to the centre and focal point of this church.
The bishop and his chair will move aside because it strikes me that it has never been more necessary to allow our eyes and our hearts to be drawn toward the gift of the Holy Eucharist; to the Real Presence of Him whom, the liturgy declares, makes this a house of prayer and a place of blessing for us.
As all eyes and hearts are drawn towards the likeness of a little child , so our gaze and our love is here drawn to the One who gives Himself in the lowliness of the Eucharist, sharing in the wonder and joy of Christmas, not only announced at Nazareth, and made known long ago to shepherds and wise men at Bethlehem, but now made present to us in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. This Christmas, may we have those eyes of faith so to see that we may never lose what Blessed John Paul II called "Eucharistic amazement."
What with his recent associations with Youth 2000 and comments like these, he seems to be one of the few bishops in this country who has his finger on the pulse. Definitely one to watch. If only my own bishop (who repeatedly refuses to attend EF Masses in his own cathedral) could be as in tune with where the Spirit is leading the younger generation...
Paul Hammond
Thank you, Paul, for generously transcribing the interview. It's not available on youtube or "watch again" anywhere is it? What wonderful words.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well!