Why does the Deacon cover the precious blood?

[mpineda]

Good day,

After the bread and wine have been changed into the body and blood of Christ, I see that our deacon covers the chalice with a white, rigid, square cover. Then throughout the remainder of the Mass I see that he takes off the cover during certain parts of the Eucharistic prayer. What is the reason behind this and what parts of the prayer have to do with his taking the square cover off?

Thank you and God bless!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

The “white, rigid, square cover” is called a chalice pall. Its purpose is to keep anything from falling into the Precious Blood during the Mass (i.e. dust particles, insects, etc). It is taken off the chalice for the words of consecration and when the chalice is going to be handled by the priest or deacon.