5/12/2021
Duccio, "Triptych," c. 1308
On July 17, 1894 the SRC resolved Nine doubts that had been asked on various matters pertaining to the liturgical rites. The second of the nine dubita dealt with the private Eucharistic devotion of a priest: specifically, whether it is permissible that he should open the tabernacle for his private devotion and, once he’s done with his prayers as he sees fit, then to close it. The answer came back “negative.”
Looking back at this dubitum based on the mind of the Church expressed in the subsequent magisterium it’s possible to identify some reasons why the response was negative.
Too few people.
In one sense, the instructions have been clear about avoiding Exposition when there are too few people. A single person, even if he be a priest, does not constitute a “suitable” number of the faithful, let alone a “large” number or even “some.”
Public or private devotion.
The principle reason for reserving the MBS is the communion of the sick. Yet, the practice of worshiping the MBS reserved for this purpose gives rise immediately to both the public and private devotion of the faithful which the Church should also vigorously promote. There are liturgical books for the carrying out of exposition. The prescriptions laid down there for worshiping the MBS outside of Mass must always be followed. Obedience to such norms, far from taxing or burdening even one’s private devotion, strengthens and forms it correctly.
More reasons…?
Image: Duccio, "Triptych," c. 1308"
