Course 4, Chapter 14: Christianity visible. — The Sacred Vessels and the Holy Water

1. What are the principal sacred vessels?

The principal sacred vessels are the chalice, the patena, the ciborium, and the ostensorium. They are called sacred, because they are consecrated by the bishop, and destined solely for the worship of God.

2. What is the chalice?

The chalice is a gold or silver cup used by the priest at the altar for the consecration and reception of the precious blood of our Lord. The chalice is as ancient as Christianity; being used by the Lord to consecrate his blood and give it to his apoetles.

3. What is the patena?

It is a kind of plate of gold or silver, on which the priest places the host which he offers up and consecrates during mass.

4. What is the ciborium t()

The ciborium is a sacred vessel, resembling the chalice, and closed with a lid • it is used to keep the Holy Eucharist for the faithful, and for the sick.

360 CATECHISM OF PERSLVLKAXCE.

5. What is the ostensorium?

The ostensorium is a kind of portable tabernacle in which the Sacred Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful during the benediction or procession.

6. What ceremony precedes the mass of Sunday?

The blessing and sprinkling of the holy water.

7. Why does the priest put salt into the water he blesses?

The priest puts salt into the water to show that holy water prevents our soul from being corrupted by sin.

8. What are the effects of holy water?

The effects of holy water are: 1st, to chase away the devil; 2d, to aid in healing the sick; 3d, to obtain help from God; 4th, to aid in the remission of venial sin.

9. In what manner ought we to take holy water?

We ought to take it with great respect, keep it in our rooms, and make the sign of the cross with it on ourselves; at least, when we rise and when we retire to rest.

10. Why is the sprinkling of holy water made in the church?

It is made to chase away the devil and to purify the faithful, so that they may assist at mass with at tention, innocence and piety. The use of holy water is as old as the church, and its efficacy has been proved by a great many miracles.