Tabernacle be covererd?

[CyrilSebastian]

Is it a requirement that a tabernacle be covered with a cloth?

 

[OraLabora]

No. From the General Instructions of the Roman Missal:

The Place for the Reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist

1. 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.[125]

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.[126] Moreover, it is appropriate that, before it is put into liturgical use, it be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.[127]

1. 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.[128]

Consequently, it is preferable that the tabernacle be located, according to the judgment of the diocesan Bishop,

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. no. 303);

Or even in some chapel suitable for the faithful’s private adoration and prayer[129] and organically connected to the church and readily visible to the Christian faithful.

1. In accordance with traditional custom, near the tabernacle a special lamp, fueled by oil or wax, should be kept alight to indicate and honor the presence of Christ.[130]

1. In no way should all the other things prescribed by law concerning the reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist be forgotten.[131]

Nothing about a cloth.

 

[Confiteor_Deo]

No, a tabernacle does not need to be veiled. I think veiling the tabernacle is common in old or traditional churches, but it isn’t necessary.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Our monsignor is a bit of a church history buff, he said a few weeks back they covered it to keep flies away when they used real bread (I assume he meant loaves…) - it’s now just a tradition, if done at all!

 

[Chatter163]

It used to be a requirement, but is no longer. It is still praiseworthy to do so. A veil on a tabernacle is, like a lighted sanctuary lamp, to be understood as a sign that the Blessed Sacrament is reserved therein.