What is the tabernacle?

The tabernacle is the secure and dignified place where the Church reserves consecrated hosts. Because Jesus remains truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics treat the tabernacle with profound reverence.

What is kept there. The tabernacle contains the Blessed Sacrament, usually consecrated hosts held in a covered sacred vessel called a ciborium. These hosts are no longer ordinary bread. Through consecration at Mass, the whole substance of the bread becomes the Body of Christ, while the appearances of bread remain (CCC 1376). Christ's Eucharistic presence continues as long as those appearances remain (CCC 1377). The tabernacle therefore holds Christ sacramentally present, not merely a reminder or symbol of Him.

Why the Eucharist is reserved. The Church first reserved the Eucharist so Communion could be brought to the sick and dying. This remains a primary purpose (CCC 1379). Reservation also allows the faithful to pray before Christ in Eucharistic adoration. Jesus asked His disciples, “Could you not watch one hour?” (Mk 14:37). Visits to the tabernacle answer that invitation in a concrete way. The Eucharist may also be carried from the tabernacle during Communion services when Mass cannot be celebrated, according to the Church's law.

Where the tabernacle is placed. The tabernacle must be in a distinguished, secure, and suitable place that fosters prayer. The Catechism says it should be located in a particularly worthy place in the church and constructed in a way that emphasizes the truth of Christ's real presence (CCC 1183). Depending on the church, it may stand in the main sanctuary or in a separate chapel suitable for private adoration. It is normally fixed, solid, opaque, and locked to guard against profanation (Canon 938).

How to recognize it. A sanctuary lamp burns near the tabernacle when the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, indicating and honoring Christ's presence (CCC 1183; Canon 940). The tabernacle may be veiled, though this practice varies. Catholics ordinarily genuflect toward it upon entering or leaving the church because adoration belongs to Christ present there (CCC 1378).

How to pray near it. No complicated prayer is required. You may kneel or sit quietly, speak to Jesus in your own words, read Scripture, pray the Rosary, or simply remain attentively in His presence. Silence before the tabernacle is not empty. It is time spent with the same Lord who said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51).

When you enter a Catholic church, look for the sanctuary lamp. Make a reverent genuflection if you are able, then take a moment to acknowledge Christ and place your needs before Him.