Q446 – Is it permissible for a layperson to open and close the tabernacle for a broadcast, and how should it be done?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: May 13, 2026
Bishop Schneider said opening the tabernacle must be permitted by the bishop because it involves the Holy Sacrament. It may be allowed in monasteries, hermitages, or enclosed communities, but he said it is not appropriate in broadcast contexts, as it lacks reverence and risks diminishing Eucharistic reverence and adoration.

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Yes, it depends. It must be allowed by the bishop because this is about touching the Holy Sacrament and opening the tabernacle. In some cases, it may be permitted, for example, in monasteries, hermitages, or enclosed communities of sisters, where it is not exposed publicly.

However, I think that opening the tabernacle in a broadcast context is not appropriate. A bishop can permit it only in a reverent way, but not for broadcasting. This would lack reverence.

We should not expose the Lord in a way that is broadcast publicly. I think this is not appropriate, because it risks diminishing the sense of reverence for the Holy Eucharist. It should be done only in churches, in real adoration, but not in broadcasting. I do not think it should be done.

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