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Question Title Posted By Question Date
The Mass Bob Monday, May 16, 2005

Question:

If our Lord is really and truly present in all the Tabernacles of the world, in body, blood, soul, and divinity. Why have all the Tabernacles, been removed from the alters. Here in New Zealand our alters are bare. No pictures, Statues, Tabernacle, usually no crucifix. Some churchs do have some of the goodies, very few. Even the Camalite Nun's Church have removed their Tabernacle, it's on the back wall from their alter. St Anthony's, well take a sprint to the far left, way of the beaten track.If you really stretch yourself, you might get lucky to find something of an icon, but not much of anything worth raving about. No alter railings either. I sometimes think, I would be better of in a paddock. How can they hold Holy Mass on the alter without the Tabernacle. They do. Would any one build a castle, and omit the throne room, and not invite the King as well. And hold court without him. It seems like they have chucked the king outside in the shed, and hold court without him, except when they need a favour from him. In this case, the ransom of himself for us on Calvary. In the Eucharist. How can this be holy. God, could be insulted. Do you know, if this Pope, considering he took the name Benedict, and what the name Benedict means, (to me reform, rules, disipline and a return to holyness) might sort this out? Or am I just blowing in the wind, and haven't got a clue? Anyway, I still go to mass, almost every day. I had to look up the meaning of the word glory - its to do with magnificance, and splendor. I keep my thoughts to myself about this, and have to carry glory in my head and heart for God. God glorifies us in nature, but we don't glorify him in our churches to celebrate, glorify, adore or make reparation.What says you?

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Bob,

Yes I agree with much that you've said, I really don't understand why so many priests would want to remove the tabernacle from the altar.  Sure many think they have reasons but in my opinion they are really bad reasons.  I really can't guess what Pope Benedict will do about this, but if he were to make any changes or reinforce existing rules I believe he would do so in support of magnificence, honor, glory and splendor.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.