Q: Yet another question: typically for the Triduum, we have kept the
tabernacle empty. It also makes logical sense given the flow of the
different rites and participating in the Holy Communion consecrated
within that liturgy.
However, I noticed that the Good Friday rubric (n. 29) allows the
deacon to place the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. The 1956 rite
mentioned removing the Blessed Sacrament to the place of reservation
from the tabernacle privately, after the celebration, but this is
omitted from the current missal. I also cannot find any rubric about
an empty tabernacle for the Easter Vigil, only for Holy Thursday.
Am I overlooking something? Would it therefore be allowable –
especially in the current circumstances – to begin the Easter Vigil
liturgy with the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle?
Hope you are staying well, and thank you as always.
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A: I hope you are staying well also.
I believe that the Good Friday rubric (n. 29) is a concession for places that have no other option but to put the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. You’re right that there is no explicit rubric about an empty tabernacle at the start of the Vigil, but it is implicit in that the tabernacle is – ideally – empty from Thursday night forward.
This year, when the CDWDS encourages us to close Holy Thursday without the procession to a place of reservation, I believe it would be fine to begin with Easter Vigil with the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle.