Protecting the Host?

[kfinks]

The storms in Alabama two weeks ago wrought devestation across many cities, towns, and communities. When something like this is happening, is there a process for protecting the tabernacle and consecrated Host in areas that will be affected?

 

[puzzleannie]

yes every diocese has (or should have) a disaster plan that covers this, plus protecting sacramental and other vital records. Problems is you have some warning with something like a hurricane, or projected flooding, but very little warning of a tornado.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

A church in my archdiocese burned down about a month ago. I watched a news item online and the firefighter who was interviewed talked about what they did to save the church. They knew they couldn’t save the whole building so they focused on the rectory and sacristy. He didn’t have the right vocabulary, but he also said they understood about how important the tabernacle was and worked to save that as well. When it was safe the pastor went in and removed the reserved hosts.

I don’t know if the person being interviewed was Catholic or not, but I found it uplifting that they understood the importance of the Eucharist and would try to protect it.

 

[Catholic1954]

We had terrible wildfires in my county a few years ago and a few priests had to evacuate on a moments notice; they first secured the Blessed Sacrament and then the parish records. Fortunately none of the buildings actually burned down, but it was scary and couple of pastors had to bunk in with neighbors until it was safe to return.