26. Sacred Vessels and Instruments Used During Mass

Chalice

Last Supper cup; also Roman banquet vessel (calix)

Holds the Precious Blood. Symbol of Christ’s Passion (“the chalice of suffering”) and salvation (“chalice of blessing”).

Noble materials (gold, silver, or gilded interior); dignified, non-porous.

Paten

Roman banquet plate (patina)

Holds the bread to be consecrated into Christ’s Body. Sign of the breaking of bread at the Last Supper.

Noble material, same dignity as chalice; gilded on top surface.

Ciborium

From cibus = food; in use by 4th c.

Holds consecrated hosts for Communion or reservation in the tabernacle. Lid = reverence & protection.

Same material as chalice/paten; fitted cover for reservation.

Pall

From pallium = covering; medieval use

Stiff square cover for the chalice. Protects Precious Blood from dust/insects. Symbol of Christ’s burial shroud.

Linen (traditionally), stiffened with insert; usually decorated with a cross.

Corporal

From corpus = body; ancient origin

Linen cloth on which Body and Blood of Christ rest. Symbol of burial shroud. Ensures no fragments are lost.

White, absorbent linen (traditionally pure linen). Folded carefully.

Purificator

From purificare = to cleanse; medieval

Used to wipe the chalice and purify vessels after Communion.

White linen, usually with small cross. Must be reverently washed (sacrarium or separate first rinse).

Altar Cloth

Early Christian practice; by 4th c. universal

Honors the altar (Christ Himself). Symbol of burial cloths and banquet tablecloth.

At least one white cloth must cover the altar (tradition: three). Fine, worthy fabric.

Altar Cross (Crucifix)

Required since Middle Ages

Visible reminder of Calvary; Mass is the same sacrifice as the Cross.

Crucifix must be on or near the altar; visible to priest and faithful.

Cruets

Roman dining flasks; adopted by Christians

Hold wine (Christ’s divinity) and water (His humanity). Also recall blood and water from His side.

Glass, metal, or dignified material; distinguishable, practical size.

Lavabo Towel

Ancient handwashing custom in Temple & Roman dining

Used by priest during lavabo ritual: “Lord, wash away my iniquity...”

White cloth, simple, dignified.

Chalice Veil (optional)

Medieval development

Covers the chalice before Mass; symbolizes reverence and mystery of the Sacrament.

Cloth of the liturgical color; fine material.

Burse (optional)

Medieval

Holds the folded corporal for transport to the altar.

Same material as chalice veil; dignified.

Monstrance (outside of Mass)

12th c., rise of Eucharistic adoration

Displays consecrated Host for adoration. Rays symbolize Christ, Light of the World.

Precious metals; luna with secure glass.

Thurible & Boat

From Jewish Temple & Roman practice; 4th c. Christians

Incense = prayer rising to God (Ps 141:2), reverence, purification.

Thurible = metal censer; boat holds incense grains. Dignified and functional.