When was the tabernacle first used?

[Jan2]

When was the tabernacle first used? In a class that I am taking, I have been told that up until 1000, the priest would keep it in something like a cupboard and it was kept for those that couldn’t attend Mass due to sickness. Looking for some history.

 

[Peggy_Frye]

Little is known about the method of preservation of the Sacrament before the 4th century. But it’s clear some type of receptacle was used to reserve the Holy Eucharist for the sick and for the faithful who were allowed to keep the Blessed Sacrament in their homes. The tabernacle we know today came about after the Council of Trent (1545-1563).

Brief history of the tabernacle:

1. Fourth and fifth centuries—two kinds of receptacles were used in churches: a) an opening in the wall of the church b) a gold or silver vessel in the shape of a dove.
2. Christian antiquity–Middle Ages—Gold or silver eucharistic towers (often used to house the above-mentioned “Eucharistic dove”).
3. End of thirteenth century— Stone Sacrament-Houses were used.
4. Sixteenth century and on—Tabernacle used today for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.

For detailed information on the history of the tabernacle I recommend Rev. Francis J. Schaefer’s article The Tabernacle: It’s History, Structure and Custody