The institution of the sacrifice of the Mass took place at the Last Supper. Hence the Mass has the form of a meal. It is the repetition of the Last Supper in memory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, the vessels used thereat are such as are used at an ordinary meal, namely, a cup and dish.
The cup is known by its Latin name. "Chalice" comes from "calyx," a cup. Formerly, chalices were of various shapes, like our glasses or cups, but the most common form at present is that of a lily or tulip shaped cup springing from a stem and supported on a broad base. In the middle of the stem is a knob which renders it more easy for the priest to hold the chalice. Chalices were at first made of various materials, such as glass, onyx, ivory, and even wood. According to the present law of the Church, the cup, at least, must be of gold. If baser metals are used, the cup must be gilt. In all ages the Christian people spared no expense in making the chalice worthy of the Precious Blood which it was destined to contain. The most beautiful specimens of goldsmiths work, both old and new, are found in the vessels of the altar. Some chalices have inscriptions, such as a sentence from Scripture or a prayer for the donor or maker.
When it was the custom of the people to receive the wine also at Communion, very large chalices were used. They were provided with handles, and were known as "Ministerial Chalices." In the giving of Communion to a great many, there was danger that some of the Precious Blood might be spilled and lost. To obviate this difficulty, the chalices were provided with silver tubes, fastened on a pivot, which allowed the communicants to participate without danger of irreverence. This custom exists now only in one place, namely, in Rome, when the Pope celebrates solemn Mass. He and the deacon assisting him communicate through the silver reed.
The wine and water for the Sacrifice are contained in two small bottles or vials. These vials are called "Cruets," from the same root as "crock." They are usually made of glass, so that there may be no difficulty in distinguishing their contents, but cruets of the precious metals are also employed. They are accompanied by a plate or basin, on which they stand.
A small open dish which covers the mouth of the chalice, and which contains the bread required for the Sacrifice, is called the "Paten", from Patens, "open." It must be of the same material as the chalice. Formerly the Paten was a large dish or tray, sometimes weighing as much as twenty-five or thirty pounds. The reason of its great size was that it contained the bread which, after consecration, was to be received by the communicants.
The bread for the use of the communicants is now reserved in a closed vessel like the chalice, but with a broader and shallower cup. It is simply a paten fitted with a stand and lid. Its name is borrowed from the canopy which formerly covered the altar (No. 78), the "Ciborium." It is made of the same material as the paten. A small round and flat box, in shape somewhat like a watch case, and made of gold or silver, is used for carrying the Blessed Sacrament to the dying. It is known as the "Pyx," which is the Greek for a "box."
In No. 84 we saw that the Blessed Sacrament was reserved in vessels shaped like a tower. Whenever the devotion of the people suggested the showing of the Sacred Species for adoration, a tower with glass or crystal sides was used. This was called the "Monstrance" or "Ostensorium," both words meaning "showing" or "pointing out." In order to hold the Blessed Sacrament in place, a contrivance known as the "Lunette," or "Crescent," is used, so called because it is shaped like the horned moon. In modern times, the tower-tabernacle has developed into the sun-tabernacle, which is a tower whose top consists of a circular piece of crystal surrounded by rays. This is the form of the monstrance now in general use.
In the Book of Numbers we read that the ministers of God's service in the Old Law were ordered to wrap up in cloths the vessels used in the sanctuary lest they should be touched by profane hands. This wrapping up of vessels applied to sacred uses is a mark of respect, and we find that even in ordinary life we take care to cover or wrap up anything we deem of value. Hence, whenever the sacred vessels were used in the Liturgy we find that they are taken to and from the altar covered with veils. The veil used by the priest when conveying the vessels containing the Blessed Sacrament is called the "Humeral Veil," and is an oblong vestment covering the shoulders. (Latin, "humerus," the shoulder.) It is also used when giving Benediction, and the sub-deacon employs it to cover the paten which he holds during a portion of the Mass. A smaller form of the humeral veil is used to cover the chalice. It is of the same color and material as the vestments. A linen napkin is spread directly under the chalice. It is about two feet square, though formerly it was much larger. On it is placed not only the chalice, but the bread which is to be consecrated. Hence it is known as the "Corporal," or what contains the Body of the Lord. ("Corpus," a body, Latin.) When the Corporal was larger a fold of it was drawn over the mouth of the chalice to exclude dust, insects or the like that might fall into the wine. At present a piece of cardboard covered with linen is used for this purpose. It is called the "Pall," from the Latin "Palla," a covering. A napkin called the "Purificator" is also used for the purpose of cleaning the chalice and of wiping the priest's lips and fingers after he has received the Sacred Blood.
The linens and veils described above are all put upon the chalice before the Mass. First, the Purificator is folded into an oblong strip, placed over the mouth of the chalice, and allowed to hang down on both sides. Over the purificator is put the paten, containing the Host, or Bread for the Sacrifice. The pall covers the paten, and over all the veil is thrown. The corporal is contained in a "case" or "burse," made of the same material as the veil, and is placed on the top of all. At high Mass the chalice, with its coverings, stands on the credence (No. 79), and the humeral veil covers table and all.
Chalices and patens are dedicated to God's service by a solemn form of consecration. The vessels thus devoted to God's service may never again be put to profane or common use. The only reason for which they might be broken up and sold is to relieve the necessities of the poor in time of great calamity or for the redemption of captives.
- taken from The Mass, by Father Peter Christopher Yorke