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B.K. wrote:

Hi, guys —

Our Adoration chapel was used in veneration of a saint's relic. Our parish officers took out the Blessed Sacrament and temporarily placed the relic there for veneration.

  • Is it proper to use the Adoration Chapel for other purposes?

Thank you

B.K.

  { Is it proper to use an Adoration Chapel for purposes other than Eucharistic Adoration? }

Eric replied:

B.K.,

I'm unaware of any guidelines that govern the use of adoration chapels in this way, but I do know that there are guidelines that govern the use of churches, and that a church can be used for secular purpose (for example, a classical music concert) if the Blessed Sacrament is removed.

Given that, I see no reason why an Adoration Chapel can't be used for a sacred purpose other than adoration. Perhaps my colleagues will have more to say on this topic.

Eric

Mike replied:

Hi B.K.,

We have a 24/7 Adoration Chapel and I don't see any problem with this.

A similar thing would happen if your town or city had a major snow event. The pastor would prudently repose the Blessed Sacrament until people could dig out of their driveways and the major roads were clear.

Being able to have a relic of a saint is a blessing, as long as the faithful at your parish have a proper (attitude/reverence) toward the relic.

A relic is related to a saint; it is not the saint.

This is unlike the Blessed Sacrament where the faithful are worshipping the Lord Himself, under the appearance of the Sacred Consecrated Host.

It is the pastor's responsibility to ensure the faithful understand this very important difference.

I hope this helps,

Mike

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