The tabernacle, the living heart of each of our churches

The "tabernacle" or "tabernacle" is a small chest or immovable ark in which the Sacred Species are kept so that the faithful can adore the Lord and where the Eucharist is kept after the celebration so that it can be taken to the sick or those who have not been able to participate in the Mass can receive communion outside the Mass.

It is recommended that the place destined for the reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist be a chapel suitable for the adoration and private prayer of the faithful. If this cannot be done, the Blessed Sacrament should be placed according to the structure of each church, in a noble and prominent place, suitably adorned, permanently fixed on an altar, pillar or built into the wall or incorporated into the altarpiece.

It should be constructed of solid matter (it can be precious metals such as gold, silver, silver-plated metal, wood, ceramic or similar), locked, in an environment that makes personal prayer easy outside the time of the celebration, and therefore, best in a separate chapel (sacramental chapel).

It is customary to place a body inside and cover its outer walls with a rich fabric or gold (conopeo).

The conopeo is a kind of veil or mosquito net like a tent that covers the tabernacle. Its use is optional and it must be white or of the liturgical color of the day, never black. This veil represents the holy land of the Lord.

A lamp constantly shines next to the tabernacle, indicating and honoring the presence of Christ. This lamp must be fed with oil or wax, never with any other fuel.

The space surrounding the tabernacle should be conducive to personal adoration and prayer, with seating, kneelers and Eucharistic spirituality books to help adore our Lord.