Veiling the Chalice

Like most liturgical vestments, the chalice veil is a mysterious garment. We may be tempted to dismiss it as a kind of decoration. However, the chalice and the veil not only have a function during the celebration of Mass, but they also remind us of a dignity that is too often veiled.

Beginning February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, a Veil, with its accompanying Burse, will be used to cover the chalice when it is carried to and from the altar during the celebration of Mass.

It is usually the same color as the vestments. As a liturgical vestment, it was probably introduced in the Middle Ages and may have had a functional origin, perhaps developed from a sacculum or small bag for carrying the sacred vessels. The veil still has a theological function. The veiled chalice can highlight both the relationship and the distinction between the two main parts of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, just as the Gospel book, which contains God’s Word is adorned and dignified with a beautiful cover, so the vessels that will contain the Body and Blood of the Lord should be adorned and dignified with the veil. Also, since the chalice is the visible sign of the Eucharist, it seems appropriate that it should be veiled during the first part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word.

The removal of the chalice veil is one of the first liturgical actions at the Offertory in preparation for the reception of the gifts of bread and wine from the congregation. The removal of the veil following the Liturgy of the Word signifies that the sacred mysteries are about to be revealed. This action is a symbolic echo of the Scripture: “And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” (Matthew 27:50-51).

The torn curtain at the death of Jesus signifies the transition from the Old Covenant to the consummation of the New Covenant promised by Jesus at the Last Supper: “And likewise He took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). The removal of the chalice veil signifies the transition from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the “heavenly liturgy.” Despite the barrier of our unworthiness, the unveiling of the chalice invites us to enter into the celebration of the sacred mysteries. Just like a cloth covering a beautiful painting is taken off when “unveiled” to the public, when the chalice veil is removed at mass, the splendor of the chalice is exposed, which parallels how after we pass on from this life, the glory of God won’t be revealed to us until we pierce the veil of this world.

The Burse, a rigid square clamshell sleeve that matches the Veil and the other Vestments, protects inside it the Corporal, the square white cloth that is laid upon the altar and upon which the Eucharist is consecrated. Since very early in the history of the Church, the importance of keeping the corporal protected and folded closed following consecration has been recognized. This is because oftentimes contained within the folded corporal are small crumbs or fragments of the host, our Most Blessed Lord, who is fully present, even in the smallest of crumbs, after consecration.

These returning items, the Chalice Veil and Burse, will be put back to use to help emphasize the important theology of the Mass and protect the elements used in the worship of our Lord at all masses the weekend of February 2nd.