Chalice and ciborium: two essential liturgical supplies for the Eucharist
28-02-2023
Curiosity

Chalice and ciborium: two essential liturgical supplies for the Eucharist

During the celebration of the First Communion, but in general of the Eucharist, the priest uses several liturgical supplies. Two of these: The gold or silver chalice and the ciborium.
When we mention the First Communion, we generally refer to the celebration of one of the seven sacraments, which complete the initiation of the little faithful into Christianity. For the celebration of the Communion, priests have always used different types of liturgical supplies. Among the main ones therer are: metal chalices and ciboria.

As for the chalice, the first one was certainly used by Jesus during the Last Supper with his disciples. Given what this sacred ornament must symbolically contain, namely the blood of Christ, the chalice is usually made of precious metal (gold chalice or silver chalice). According to many legends, Jesus’ chalice was also used by Joseph of Arimathea during the crucifixion to collect the Saviour's blood. In some solemn celebrations, the chalice is also covered by the pallium, a cloth veil, representing the veil of the Holy Sepulchre, as a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection.

Along with the chalice, there is also the ciborium, a vessel of valuable metal that is used to hold the consecrated hosts. The ciborium usually has symbolic engravings such as the cross, saints and the God's Lamb. The peculiarity of this sacred ornament, however, lies in its round shape, which is meant to represent eternity, but it is sometimes used also for the consumption of wine. According to other ancient curiosities, mass ciboria were often offered as coronation gifts for kings and queens, symbolising the power and sacredness of their reign.

During the Eucharistic other important liturgical supplies such as the paten or the tabernacle are used. However, with today's article we wanted to focus on some curious peculiarities concerning precisely the classic chalice and ciborium.