The Blessed Sacrament is to be reserved in only one tabernacle. Usually near the Main altar and has a Sanctuary Lamp burning either white or Red near it.
That’s what I thought. Why would there be two other tabernacles, since they are not used? Was it acceptable at one time to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in more than one tabernacle?
That’s a good question. Vatican II makes a point of stating that only one Mass at a time is to be celebrated in a church. It seems this question could be related to that.
No, the prior Code of Canon law had the same stipulation. The side altar tabernacle were useful in case the Blessed Sacrament had to be removed to them for whatever reason e.g. on Maundy Thursday, a Pontifical visit. That is why the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament was directed to be veiled.
Prior to Vatican II Mass could be celebrated at these side altars, sometimes simultaneously. When Holy Communion was finished the Blessed Sacrament was placed in these tabernacles temporarily. This was done to avoid carrying the Blessed Sacrament around the church or disturbing another Mass that was taking place. Remember Mass was celebrated directly in front of the tabernacle on the altar.
That does make sense. Thank you!
In some medieval churches in UK there are ‘squints’ - slots in the walls and pillars - allowing a view from one altar to another, particularly the high altar. It has been held that this allowed priests celebrating mass to coordinate the elevation with that at the high altar. Conversely, it has also been postulated that such viewing would allow the timing of the elevation to be staggered so that the people could go from one altar to another to adore at the elevation.