Eucharist "cover"

[Montgomeryatty]

Watching EWTN’s “Mass for Life” last night, I noticed something that I’ve seen in the couple of Masses I’ve attended, but don’t know the purpose. Intermittently as the celebrants are preparing to “give” the Eucharist, they will take (at least) the chalice containing the wine/blood and place a flat “cover” on top. They may do the same with the bread/body, its not as easy to see. What is this “covering” they place on the chalice and what is the reason its placed there?

 

[tee_eff_em]

Watching EWTN’s “Mass for Life” last night, I noticed something that I’ve seen in the couple of Masses I’ve attended, but don’t know the purpose. Intermittently as the celebrants are preparing to “give” the Eucharist, they will take (at least) the chalice containing the wine/blood and place a flat “cover” on top. They may do the same with the bread/body, its not as easy to see. What is this “covering” they place on the chalice and what is the reason its placed there?

It is called a “pall”, a starched stiffened square of linen (perhaps even with internal support structure). As far as I know, it’s purpose is to prevent foreign objects (dust, insects, bird droppings (in ancient days of open cathedrals)) from invading the cup. I don’t know that there are particular rubrics when to cover the chalice, but I am pretty sure it must be uncovered for the words of institution and elevations.

I’ve never seen one placed over the paten/ciborium, but I suppose one could be.

tee