Proper vessels...a prayer answered!

[didymus]

The main objections to non-metallic vessels is that they are breakable, absorbant, or lacking in honour to Our Lord’s Body. From the GIRM

Quote:
290. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

All of these rules are meant to ensure both honour to Our Lord’s body and protection from contamination or spillage. Glass is easily breakable and earthenware is often absorbant. Also despite the fondness for arty-crafty pottery these days it would be hard to describe the material “prized in the region” or are “noble in the region”. A lot of this type of sacred vessel became popular as a way of promoting the “family meal” type mass in the 70’s. We really do owe Our Lord’s Body and Blood the finest of homes however much we might like the folksy cups and plates.

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**In te, Domine, speravi:
non confundar in aeternum

Innocent III**

Thanks for the info, Innocent.
As I said, I don’t think the good Father was pushing an agenda & I’m not either, though esthetically I have to say that I prefer the plain over the fancy. I’m of Irirsh descent but maybe there is a calvinist Scot lurking in my ancestry somewhere.

 

[InnocentIII]

didymus:

Thanks for the info, Innocent.
As I said, I don’t think the good Father was pushing an agenda & I’m not either, though esthetically I have to say that I prefer the plain over the fancy. I’m of Irirsh descent but maybe there is a calvinist Scot lurking in my ancestry somewhere.

I will bless the Irish and pray for the Scot (as a part Scot myself)