Purificator
A white linen cloth with which the priest dries the chalice after Communion.
Chalice
Gilded metal cup, usually on a base, which the priest uses for the wine during the Eucharist.
Greek cross
An upright cross with all four arms of equal length.
Sanctuary lamp
Oil lamp placed near the tabernacle to indicate the presence of consecrated hosts. In the past this was usually a lamp suspended from three chains. Nowadays it can also be a table lamp. Usually, the sanctuary lamp has a red glass to distinguish it from ordinary candles.
Corporal
White linen cloth that is placed on the altar cloth and on which the chalice and the paten are placed during the Eucharist.
Ciborium veil
White decorated cloth used to cover the ciborium when it contains consecrated hosts in the tabernacle.
Ciborium
A covered vessel in the shape of a cup that is used to keep consecrated hosts in the tabernacle and to distribute them at communion.
Antependium
Literally: “something hanging in front”. An ornament placed in front of the altar and usually covering it completely. An antependium can be made of various materials: silver (as in Antwerp cathedral), wood but also textiles. In the latter case it is sometimes adapted to the liturgical colours.
Altar cruets
Two glass or metal (silver) jugs used during the Eucharist. One contains wine and the other water. During the preparation of the Eucharist all the wine is poured into the chalice and also a little water, a reference to the blood and water that flowed from the side wound of Jesus (Jn 19:34). The priest […]
Altar stone
A tile in the top of an altar, under which there are relics. An altar stone shows five [usually Greek] crosses, which refer to the five wounds of Jesus.
