Is It Allowed to Photograph the Blessed Sacrament Exposed for Adoration?

[CatholicMedic]

My wife and I were traveling a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to attend Mass in a beautiful Basilica. We stayed after Mass to look at this magnificent building and take a few pictures.

There is a side altar/naïve off of the main altar where they had Eucharistic adoration (when Mass is not going on). It was so pretty I wanted to take a photograph but did not since we did not know if there are rules or etiquettes regarding this.

Are there any rules or etiquettes regarding the photographing of the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adoration?

 

[thewanderer]

Not that I know of… Also, isn’t it often recorded and televised? Like on EWTN? I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.

 

[thomas_jd]

My wife and I were traveling a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to attend Mass in a beautiful Basilica. We stayed after Mass to look at this magnificent building and take a few pictures.

There is a side altar/naïve off of the main altar where they had Eucharistic adoration (when Mass is not going on). It was so pretty I wanted to take a photograph but did not since we did not know if there are rules or etiquettes regarding this.

Are there any rules or etiquettes regarding the photographing of the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adoration?

No prohibition!
One picture is worth a thousand words!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

The pamphlet “Watch With Me One Hour” that I stock in our adoration chapel has a beautiful picture of the Exposed Eucharist. It must be permitted under some circumstances.

I wouldn’t use a flash, or create any distraction, if people are in adoration.

 

[NickVA]

I’m sure Our Lord wouldn’t mind being photographed!

 

[Leon_Bloy]

I once wondered about this… and concluded it was OK, as long as it is done reverently without disturbing anybody.

My logic was that the Lord is hidden under the *appearance *of bread, so what ends up on film is only the “accidents” of the sacrament, anyhow!

 

[PazzoGrande]

My wife and I were traveling a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to attend Mass in a beautiful Basilica. We stayed after Mass to look at this magnificent building and take a few pictures.

There is a side altar/naïve off of the main altar where they had Eucharistic adoration (when Mass is not going on). It was so pretty I wanted to take a photograph but did not since we did not know if there are rules or etiquettes regarding this.

Are there any rules or etiquettes regarding the photographing of the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adoration?

Rules or etiquette, there isn’t really anything in law or in common custom that say that you can’t do that. I keep a photograph of the Blessed Sacrament holy card in a frame.

That being said, I think it’s possible that the pastor or rector of the place might frown on it if they think photography is disrespectful or nonconducive to the atmosphere of the church. I visited a Mormon Temple during its Open House and they wouldn’t allow photography because they find it disrespectful. The Supreme Court won’t allow it because they think it brings down the dignity of the Court. So it might be a good idea to ask. I’ve never heard of a priest saying not to do that, but I suppose it’s still polite to ask first.

 

[HelenRose]

Rules or etiquette, there isn’t really anything in law or in common custom that say that you can’t do that. I keep a photograph of the Blessed Sacrament holy card in a frame.

That being said, I think it’s possible that the pastor or rector of the place might frown on it if they think photography is disrespectful or nonconducive to the atmosphere of the church. I visited a Mormon Temple during its Open House and they wouldn’t allow photography because they find it disrespectful. The Supreme Court won’t allow it because they think it brings down the dignity of the Court. So it might be a good idea to ask. I’ve never heard of a priest saying not to do that, but I suppose it’s still polite to ask first.

 

[DaveBj]

Some places (like the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL) have posted prohibitions against photography. However, if there is no posted prohibition, and if taking a picture wouldn’t disturb anyone, I would say to go right ahead.