Someone must be present when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed

[roseproject]

I know this is the case when Christ is exposed in the Eucharist for adoration. The rule is someone MUST be present in Adoration. He can’t be left alone.

My question is why is this only the case when the Eucharist is exposed? When it’s covered with a Monstrance cover or stored in the tabernacle, no one is required to be present. What’s the reasoning behind this? He’s just as much God when covered as He is exposed

+Pax Christi+

 

[paperwight]

Except that the Blessed Sacrament could be grabbed and taken away more easily if not locked in the tabernacle. The person watching is to be a bodyguard, or a deterrent… At the very least, someone to raise the alarm.

 

[roseproject]

So, it’s more of a cautionary requirement rather than a spiritual practice?

 

[Trishie]

I once was horrified to find it necessary to report that the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar in an empty open church I visited, along a major road.

The parish secretary had placed the monstrance on the altar, because somebody had hidden the tabernacle, which was in the sanctuary, behind a forest of potted plants after Easter. I stayed praying for an hour alone, thinking there must be some unaccountable mistake, then finally sought the parish office When I spoke to the parish secretary she saw nothing amiss and merely explained her reasoning, so it appeared that this had occurred during daily since Easter. Apparently, Lenten bare branches had been replaced after Easter with a garden.

I then contacted the presbytery of my own parish and reported the concern to one of our priests. I visited the neighboring church next day and the number of plants was greatly reduced, the tabernacle clearly visible.

 

[TomH1]

I believe it must be a minimum of two people and it’s for safety. The Blessed Sacrament is more likely to be stolen or profaned in the monstrance than the tabernacle. The other reason I’ve read is if one of those two takes ill there’s someone else there to get them help. Whilst they’re going for help the Blessed Sacrament isn’t left unattended.

 

[acanonlawyer]

My question is why is this only the case when the Eucharist is exposed?

In addition to the practical, safety concerns:

Exposition only makes sense if someone is there to see what is being shown.

It is meant to be a special time of dedicated prayer/worship. If nobody is there, it is not fulfilling the purpose.

Dan

 

[Bluebright]

I wonder if being on CCTV counts? cos I om often the first person around in my church as I am sacristan and the priest exposes the Blessed sacrament when there is just me. I am sure he is not wrong in doing so (a previous person said 2 people ought to be present and I have heard that said too by one of our servers who often waits until another person arrives or wants to wait). I wonder if our priest does so, knowing as he does that the secretary is there and she monitors the CCTV. That sounds likely if it is for security.

 

[Horton]

We are blessed with a perpetual adoration chapel in our parish. Unfortunately there have been times when our Lord has been left alone in the chapel. Most often it’s been during the early morning hours that are difficult to get covered. However the doors are locked so at least our Lord is safe.

 

[AdamEvans]

I don’t think so, but it is one of the personal issue, so only PERSON can decide!

 

[runningdude]

My question is why is this only the case when the Eucharist is exposed? When it’s covered with a Monstrance cover or stored in the tabernacle, no one is required to be present. What’s the reasoning behind this? He’s just as much God when covered as He is exposed

An analogy might be a campfire: properly maintained, a camp fire can provide lifesaving food and warmth. If you leave it unattended however, it might get out of control and burn down the forest.

With Christ in Holy Sacrament, we open ourselves to profound grace in his presence. Yet, if we leave him unattended and exposed, we perversely invite people to eat and drink judgement upon themselves if they interact with the Host inappropriately. Thus he is only to be exposed when people are properly disposed to receive him, and placed away safely when no one is available.

One perpetual adoration chapel I am familiar with has a locked monstrance fixed to the chapel altar. When no one is available, I believe it can be veiled, although I am not certain of the procedures. Veiling has the same effect as placing him in the tabernacle, reposing him for safe keeping so that no one inadvertently “get burned” by exposure to our Lord unprepared.