In a former diocese I lived in, a rule went into effect that all of the chalices and ciboriums had to be made of precious metals??? Is this practive widespread??? (i.e. I see alot of earthen ware and wine glass type used.) Thanks and God Bless.
All items holding our precious Lord have always had to be made of precious metals.
There have been widespread abuse, and I believe people are just bringing this requirement to light again.
GIRM
Section VI.
III. SACRED VESSELS
SACRED VESSELS
Among the requisites for the celebration of Mass, the sacred
vessels hold a place of honor, especially the chalice and paten,
which are used in presenting, consecrating, and receiving the bread
and wine.
Vessels should be made from materials that are solid and that in the particular region are regarded as noble. The conference of bishops will be the judge in this matter. But preference is to be
given to materials that do not break easily or become unusable.
Chalices and other vessels that serve as receptacles for the
blood of the Lord are to have a cup of nonabsorbent material. The
base may be of any other solid and worthy material.
Vessels that serve as receptacles for the eucharistic bread,
such as a paten, ciborium, pyx, monstrance, etc., may be made of other materials that are prized in the region, for example, ebony or other hard woods, as long as they are suited to sacred use.
For the consecration of hosts one rather large paten may
properly be used; on it is placed the bread for the priest as well as
for the ministers and the faithful.
Vessels made from metal should ordinarily be gilded on the
inside if the metal is one that rusts; **gilding is not necessary if
the metal is more precious than gold and does not rust. **
The artist may fashion the sacred vessels in a shape that is in keeping with the culture of each region, provided each type of vessel is suited to the intended liturgical use.
For the blessing or consecration of vessels the rites prescribed in the liturgical books are to be followed.
[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.[205]The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,[206]so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.[207]
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