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From earliest times onward, the eucharistic elements, the Body and Blood of Christ, have been reserved after the liturgy. Originally this was intended primarily for those absent from the Sunday celebration, most especially for the sick and dying.
The places for keeping the eucharistic elements have changed in every era. They have included the homes of Christians, priest residences, sacristies, side rooms, wall cabinets, vessels placed on altars and containers suspended over the sanctuary.
Our liturgical norms state that "every effort and encouragement should be given to the practice of eucharistic reservation in a chapel suited for private adoration and prayer." The intention is to keep the focus of the liturgy in proper perspective: during Mass our focus is on hearing the word of God and sharing in the banquet of the eucharist. After Mass, the tabernacle remains a sign of Christ's abiding presence and a reminder of the community's care for the sick and dying. As such the Blessed Sacrament chapel is a place for private prayer, adoration and quiet reflection.
Heavenly Father, grant to your people a constant deepening
in faith and in grace, so that whenever we honor your son's loving
presence among us, we will be led to a more fruitful sharing
in the banquet of our redemption.
