Q: I have always understood that sacred space is to be respected, but I have seen talks and concerts(instrumental) or a capella or even cantata being held in the church proper. I was told that the area that is beyond the sanctuary – apse, can be used for such performances so long as the reserved sacred hosts are removed and the tabernacle covered. Please clarify.
Thank you for your explanations and for edifying us on liturgy and Church documents. Thank you for taking the trouble to reply our queries.
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A: The Vatican issued the following guidelines in 1987. Concerts are common in churches in Rome.