Fourth Synod Compiled Acts, Declarations and Statutes

decision in each case to the local Ordinary if there is a good reason for a different interpretation of the donor’s intention. 73

103. Mass stipends from a foundation may not be accepted validly without written consent of the local Ordinary. 74

104. a) In danger of death, the faithful are to receive Holy Communion. While the danger lasts, it is recommended that Holy Communion be administered often but on separate days, without the obligation of fasting. Priests, therefore, should not content themselves with one administration of the Sacrament to those in such danger.

b) Since the administration of Viaticum is not to be unduly delayed, the faithful are to be urged to call the priest promptly to minister to those in danger of death.

105. a) “The correct positioning of the tabernacle contributes to the recognition of Christ’s real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the place where the Eucharistic species are reserved, marked by a sanctuary lamp, should be readily visible to everyone entering the church. . . . In any event, final judgment on these matters belongs to the Diocesan Bishop.” 75 In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the Diocesan Bishop makes the final decision on the proper placement of the tabernacle in each church, chapel or oratory upon the recommendation of the Diocesan Commission for the Liturgy and the Diocesan Commission for Buildings and Property in consultation with the proper pastor or chaplain. b) “In accordance with the structure of each church and legitimate local customs, the Most Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, conspicuous, worthily decorated, and suitable for prayer.” 76 In most of the churches and chapels of this Diocese, the center of the sanctuary is normative as the part of the church that is truly noble, prominent, conspicuous, worthily decorated, and suitable for prayer. Exceptions to this norm require the permission of the Diocesan Bishop.

73 Cf. c. 950.

74 Cf. c. 1304.

75 Pope Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis , March 13, 2007, n. 69.

76 General Instruction of the Roman Missal , n. 314.

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