Church: Sacred Vessels

Wonders! I wondered when I was a child “What are those cup and saucers doing on the priests table during the mass? It gave me curiosity. Even the tabernacle, I always waited for the priest to open it widely to see what they’re keeping inside. I was always peeping. And sometimes, when I saw in the Tabernacle the monstrance, I wondered “Hey, what’s the significance of that one?”

When I got older, and now I’m close to becoming a century egg, I have discovered that the altar becomes sacred because of what we’re all doing. How we pray together with each other and the priests leading (as their vocation) make one powerful community of holy workers.

The vessels are souvenirs when Jesus Christ came down and made us to be one with the Father.

Check this:

The crucifix is a representation of Christ’s love for humanity. It is a significant emblem of Christianity.

Altar candles are candles used in the mass.

Vigil lamp is the light in the altar that is often left open, even after worship.

A Tabernacle is a high altar in which the vessels containing the Blessed Sacrament are kept.

The paten plate is of precious metal that holds the big host. It is where the altar bread is offered in the Holy sacrifice of the mass.

Cruets are two vessels containing the wine and water.

A chalice is the cup of consecrated metal that holds the consecrated wine. It should either be gold or silver.

The ciborium vessel contains the hosts for distribution to the faithful. As long as the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in it, the ciborium must be covered with a veil of precious material or white color.

A Monstrance is the vessel in which the consecrated host is exposed for the adoration.

The lectern is a holy reading desk near the altar. It is regularly used during masses.

Linen cloth is placed on the altar for the mass.

A sanctuary is a sacred place. Literally, it is where the priest stands/holds masses. The physical presence of God in the Eucharist makes the sanctuary a holy ground.

When the Bishops are around the church, the faithful come running to kiss their hand because of their ring. Of course, there is something sacred in their rings. But then, when we’re not able to kiss it, we should not worry because God is present with everyone. Wherever we can be in any place or time when the heart seeks for God, Jesus is present.

Give me a clean heart, O God, that my prayer could reach You and all that I love.

/RoseVoc2