Emmanuel,
Generally I am reluctant to answer questions about the interpretation of canon law because we are not canonists. That's like offering legal or medical advice. Also I'm unsure how to break the question down into simpler language. But I'll try.
A sacred building is a building set apart for God. In everyday life we have certain things that are set apart to do certain things or for certain purposes and no other. China, for example, might be set apart for entertaining guests. Certain furniture might be set apart for a similar reason. Thus a sacred build is set apart for God, in particular divine worship.
Chiefly what we call the liturgy, the rituals we perform on a daily basis for all believers. Foremost here is the Mass or Divine Liturgy, or the Eucharistic celebration (chiefly celebrated on Sunday, the Lord's Day, the day of the week when Jesus, our Lord rose from the dead). In the Eucharistic celebration, we make present the one sacrifice of Christ on the Cross in the form of Holy Communion, which we believe to be bread and wine transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ in sacramental form. We also celebrate Baptisms (an initiation rite into Christianity performed by immersing the person into water or pouring water over the head), funerals, Marriages, and other rites. These rites are all ultimately oriented toward God, the Blessed Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- What do we mean when we say, (intended|designated) for divine worship and the right of the faithful to access, especially for public exercise?
Unlike other sacred buildings (e.g. monasteries), churches are intended to be public, for all the Christian faithful to access. The faithful (Catholic believers), have by this canon, a right to access the church, i.e., to use it.
- Does this make sense or answer your question?
Eric
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