15 Tabernacle Veil and Sanctuary Lamp

Lancaster Cathedral: Tabernacle
It sits on a marble altar -
What scene is shown below?

At the Cathedral the doors of the tabernacle are veiled. The age-old practice of veiling the  tabernacle dates back to Old Testament times, when the Holy of Holies in the Temple was veiled. The veil therefore became a sign of God's presence; it was in the Holy of Holies that God Himself dwelt. Due to the size of the tabernacle and its shape, only the doors have been veiled. The colour of the veil changes to match the liturgical colours worn by the priest. Today, the Lord is to be found in the tabernacle, and the veil is one sign of His presence, the other sign is the sanctuary lamp.



CCC 1183 The tabernacle is to be situated "in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honour." The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.

The veil is the primary symbol of Christ's presence in the tabernacle. The sanctuary lamps, which burn nearby, are in the first place a sign of the Church's continual prayer in the presence of the Lord.

At the cathedral there is a another lamp that is a sign of the sacred chrism and oils blessed by the Bishop at the Mass of Chrism are present.  

CCC 1183 The sacred chrism (myron), used in anointings as the sacramental sign of the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally reserved and venerated in a secure place in the sanctuary. The oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick may also be placed there.