Decoration of Sanctuary

[Francis67]

My parish has what I would call a more traditional Sanctuary layout with a huge fixed crucifix, with a tabernacle directly beneath and the altar below in front. I vaguely remember reading many years ago something along the lines that this symbolically represents the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and His coming down from heaven into the Holy of Holies during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I’m a bit frustrated by my parish because they have “harvest” decorations, which of themselves I wouldn’t find offensive, but what I do find distracting and repulsive is they have a large pumpkin directly behind the tabernacle. The justification is that it isn’t technically on the tabernacle, but rather on something behind the tabernacle and that “it represents that all of us at the feet of Jesus are imperfect beings. The pumpkin is not a gift to Jesus, rather a thought provoking symbol of our humanity and walk to be more like Him.” When I am watching and participating in the Sacrifice of the Mass I find it extremely distracting as well as offensive seeing that it appears to be on top of the tabernacle, which houses our Lord and to me takes the focus away from the Eucharistic Sacrifice. I plan on writing a response to the the quote in our bulletin, but want to be charitable, which is difficult because I feel so passionate on this issue, but realize I can’t just respond out of intense emotion. I am looking for some quotes as to the meaning behind how the sanctuary is designed and what it represents. Quotes with references would be greatly appreciated.

 

[robwar]

Why don’t you just speak to the priest about your concerns and feelings. There must be a altar society responsible for decorating the church, you could likewise check with them. There is nothing any of use can do for you on the internet, it will have to be handled at your parish.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

While I don’t find the placement of a pumpkin behind the tabernacle a serious liturgical offense, the explanation given seems rather bizarre. When most people look at a pumpkin, they aren’t thinking about their imperfections as sinful human beings. They are thinking about pie or jack-o-lanterns.