Friday, August 3, 2007

Eucharistic Doves

It is clear that from the fourth century on the Eucharist was often reserved in a gold or silver dove, sometimes suspended above the altar. The earliest extant evidence of this practice is found in the writings of Tertullian (155–230 AD).

I've collected a few pictures of Eucharistic doves for the pleasure of those who may be interested or edified by this ancient ancestor of the modern tabernacle.







6 comments:

Athanasis Contra Mundum said...

And now tabernacles seem to be made more and more to be avant garde instead of glorifying the Savior present within.

Laudate Dominum said...

Yes, I think the reasoning is that since God humbled Himself out of love for us it is fitting for us to humble him in order to emphasize ourselves. I'm not making this up; I have had numerous discussions with people who believe that the Holy of Holies should be banal and quite often their first "argument" is that Christ was born in a stable.
It is a truly backwards and self-centered attitude.

phatcatholic said...

Why a dove? Just curious.

Amy M. said...

"Why a duck?"

Sorry, I couldn't help it. That's wicked phat, dude.

Laudate Dominum said...

phatcatholic,

I suppose because it is the Holy Spirit that brings Christ both in the Incarnation and the Eucharist.

Laudate Dominum said...

Sorry for the five year delay in responding.