In the early Church, adoration of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist was practiced by Christians only at Mass. Devotion to Jesus outside of Mass…developed gradually. It took some time for Christians to realize what a treasure was theirs in the Holy Eucharist. It is only in the 12th century that the custom originated of reserving the holy Eucharist for the adoration of the people. After that, it spread rapidly. Nowadays, in every Catholic Church there is a tabernacle…a cupboard-like safe marked by a burning light called the tabernacle or sanctuary lamp. Following ancient tradition, the use of a veil is also a fitting way indicating the presence of Christ.
[Leo Trese, The Faith Explained, Scepter Press, p. 367]