I seem to recall a statement made by, perhaps, the Vatican regarding the need to have the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament placed prominently in the sanctuary. In addition, I would like to know if there is also a statement or recommendation or preference or some sort of ruling concerning the need to have a crucifix in the sanctuary visible prominently by the people in the pews.
Please let me know if there are any such documents. Our Church is sadly bare - the remnant of the idiocy of the 60’s-80’s - in which the Church (temporarily?) lost its soul to cold rationalism in the guise of youthful enthusiasm.
If you go to the Vatican itself, you will find that the tabernacle is
not in the sanctuary, but in a separate chapel. There is no such rule. The
General Instruction of the Roman Missal contains the following guidelines concerning the location of the tabernacle:
314. In accordance with the structure of each church and legitimate local customs, the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, readily visible, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer.
The one tabernacle should be immovable, be made of solid and inviolable material that is not transparent, and be locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is prevented to the greatest extent possible. Moreover, it is appropriate that, before it is put into liturgical use, it be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.
- It is more in keeping with the meaning of the sign that the tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved not be on an altar on which Mass is celebrated.
Consequently, it is preferable that the tabernacle be located, according to the judgment of the Diocesan Bishop,
a. Either in the sanctuary, apart from the altar of celebration, in a form and place more appropriate, not excluding on an old altar no longer used for celebration (cf. above, no. 303);
b. Or even in some chapel suitable for the faithful’s private adoration and prayer and which is organically connected to the church and readily visible to the Christian faithful.
(footnotes omitted).
As to the presence of a crucifix, it provides:
308. There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations.
