The Eucharistic Chalice: Is this true?

[Angel_Hazard]

While researching my last question I found an article that states that Eucharistic Chalices must be made of gold or gold-plated? Is this true? I’ve never heard of this rule before so I thought it might be best to ask. Thanks

 

[The_Professor]

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (as applied in the US):

III. Sacred Vessels

1. Among the requisites for the celebration of Mass, the sacred vessels are held in special honor, especially the chalice and paten, in which the bread and wine are offered and consecrated, and from which they are consumed.

328. Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal. If they are made from metal that rusts or from a metal less precious than gold, then ordinarily they should be gilded on the inside.

1. In the Dioceses of the United States of America, sacred vessels may also be made from other solid materials that, according to the common estimation in each region, are precious, for example, ebony or other hard woods, provided that such materials are suited to sacred use and do not easily break or deteriorate. This applies to all vessels which hold the hosts, such as the paten, the ciborium, the pyx, the monstrance, and other things of this kind.

1. As regards chalices and other vessels that are intended to serve as receptacles for the Blood of the Lord, they are to have bowls of nonabsorbent material. The base, on the other hand, may be made of other solid and worthy materials.

1. For the consecration of hosts, a large paten may appropriately be used; on it is placed the bread for the priest and the deacon as well as for the other ministers and for the faithful.

1. As to the form of the sacred vessels, the artist may fashion them in a manner that is more in keeping with the customs of each region, provided each vessel is suited to the intended liturgical use and is clearly distinguishable from those intended for everyday use.

1. For the blessing of sacred vessels, the rites prescribed in the liturgical books are to be followed.136

1. The practice is to be kept of building a sacrarium in the sacristy, into which are poured the water from the purification of sacred vessels and linens (cf. above, no. 280).

I quoted the entire relevant section. In other words, it does not need to be gold, but something “precious” would suffice. I assume that most chalices and sacred vessels are actually brass or something similar. The most important thing here seems to be that the blood not seep into the material that makes up the chalice.

 

[TheMc]

While researching my last question I found an article that states that Eucharistic Chalices must be made of gold or gold-plated? Is this true? I’ve never heard of this rule before so I thought it might be best to ask. Thanks

Gold? Not exactly, but close: Here’s the rule from the GIRM:

1. Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal. If they are made from metal that rusts or from a metal less precious than gold, then ordinarily they should be gilded on the inside.

 

[MiserereMeiDeus]

Yes, they should be made of precious metal to hold the most precious substance on the earth, the Blood the Lord.

 

[benedictgal]

Here is the reference from Redemptionis Sacramentum:

[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 honor 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

I hope this helps.

 

[carletoncath]

consecrated hands alone and sacred vessels of gold (or gold lined) chalice, paten, ciborium to hold Our Lord, gold was one of the gifts presented to our Lord at His nativity, because He is a King!,