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 Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People

People on the Move

N° 104, August 2007

 

 

RESERVATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

 

Cardinal Gaudencio B. ROSALES, D.D.

Archbishop of Manila

 

Dear Monsignori/Father/Brother/Sister:

Greetings of Peace! 

We have seen tremendous growth in the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament among our Catholic faithful. The construction and inauguration of Eucharistic adoration chapels in many parishes, malls and offices is a heartwarming sign of this laudable pious devotion. While we are delighted to see a growth in the devotion, please be reminded of the following directives, which are to be conscientiously observed:

  1. As a matter of policy, only parish churches, approved chaplaincies and chapels belonging to duly approved religious communities may reserve the Blessed Sacrament. All the others, i.e., sub-parish. chapels, barangay halls and office oratories need a written rescript/permission from the Archbishop of Manila. This rescript/permission is a privilege granted by the Archbishop of Manila which he can also withdraw any time in cases of grave abuses and neglect. 

  2. There should be close coordination between the parish priest and the lay coordinators of the chapel of who should be responsible to the parish priest for the maintenance and upkeep of the chapel.

  3. On the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament: The tabernacle must be made of solid opaque material, kept under key and firmly attached to a wall or pedestal, suitably adorned and conducive to prayer. The vigil light must be kept on a sign of reverence for the reserved Sacred Species.

  1. The Celebration of the Eucharist: In sacred places where the Blessed Eucharist is reserved, the parish priest should see to it that MASS is celebrated there at least twice a month (can. 934, no. 2). There must always be someone responsible for the Blessed Eucharist.

Responding to the call of the times, Masses in the malls are now permitted by the undersigned. If the people cannot go to our churches, we will be the ones to go where they are. The parish priest, who has territorial jurisdiction over the place where the mall is located, has the responsibility over the discipline regarding the celebration of Masses in the mall. All particular laws pertaining to chapels in the parish must be applied.

Where the faithful cannot fulfill their obligation to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist in the church, the parish priest will see to it that Masses are celebrated in the gathering of the faithful in a suitable place, time and occasion.

Please be guided accordingly. 

 
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