Course 4, Chapter 19: Christianity visible. — Third part of the Mass

1. What does the priest do after reciting the offer tory?

After reciting the offertory, the priest removes from the chalice the veil with which, through respect for the consecration, it had remained covered, and then extends the corporal on the altar.

2. What is the corporal?

The corporal is a piece of square linen, destined to receive the body of our Lord. It must be of linen; because it was in linen that the body of our Lord was wrapped for sepulture.

3. What is the pall?

The word pall means cover. It is a square card, enclosed in linen, and used to cover the top of the chalice.

4. How does the priest offer the host?

The priest takes the patena on which rests the host, raises his eyes to heaven, and offers to God the bread which is to be changed into the body of our Lord

5. For whom does he offer it?

He offers it for himself, for those assisting at tlm

mass, and for the faithful, living and dead. He then takes the chalice, into which he pours the wine and a few drops of water, to represent the union of the faithful with our Lord.

6. What further does he?

He offers up the chalice for the whole world; and humbling himself, he implores the Holy Ghost to descend and consume these offerings by changing them into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

7. What is the blessed bread?

The blessed bread, which was formerly used in all the churches, and which is still used in some coun tries, is a symbol of the union which should reign amongst all Christians.

8. How should the blessed bread be taken?

It should be taken with respect, joy, and confidence, and in the spirit of charity, with an ardent desire to receive the holy communion, of which it is a figure.

9. What is the origin and the reason of the collection made at mass?

The origin is as old as Christianity, and the reason is, to show that charity does not' consist in words, but in good works.

10. Why does the priest wash his fingers after the offertory?

He washes them for two reasons, the one natural, and the other mysterious, which should be a lesson of holiness for us.