(The Wanderer, December 2, 1999) The rumors in the press room on the final day of the U.S. bishops' annual meeting were that Domus Dei—the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy's proposed document dealing with the art and architecture of Catholic churches was "dead on arrival."
The rumors proved correct.
One after another, nearly three dozen bishops, including three cardinals, acknowledged how the liturgical changes and mandates of the postconciliar period have weakened, damaged, or destroyed the faith of the Catholic people.
And by far the biggest mistake, it was finally acknowledged, was the "recommendation" that the tabernacle should be removed from a central altar.
James Cardinal Hickey of Washington, D.C. agreed with all the previous speakers who spoke of the centrality of the tabernacle. "It reinforces our belief in the Eucharist and the Real Presence, as it is greeted, genuflected before, and as it helps keep prayerful silence in a church.....If tabernacles are reinstated," he added, "it will help, restore a sense of prayer to our churches.
"I think also," he continued, "it is important to foster eucharistic devotions and benedictions, but also we should not overlook private visits. These are the ways we sustain our faith in the Eucharist.
"I hope we will not be the captives of architects who may or may not share our Catholic faith, and do not accept the fullness of our eucharistic teaching. The architect should not be the last word; certainly the parishioners, the pastor and the bishop should have the last word...
"On the disposition of art and sacred objects," he continued, "mention has been made they are going to flea markets. Other options are available. I'm not a canonist, but I don't think sacred art should go to flea markets."
The Tabernacle on the High Altar