Wednesday Liturgy: Follow-up: Using Multiple Ciboria and Chalices
ROME, OCT. 9, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.
In the wake of our comments on multiple vessels (Sept. 25) a reader asked: "When several chalices are prepared for a concelebrated Mass, my understanding is that it is correct to add water to the wine only in the 'main' chalice, and that it is not necessary to add water to the wine in all the chalices. Is there any official document in which this is specified?"
This point has been discussed by liturgists, but no consensus has been found. Nor am I aware of any official norms on this particular subject.
Some liturgists hold the position that it is sufficient to add water to the chalice of the principal chalice, which thus forms a moral unity with the other chalices for the purpose of consecration.
This argument is fairly solid from the theological standpoint, and there would certainly be no doubt that the consecration would be valid and licit.
It also solves the problem of the rather ungainly sight of a deacon or priest pouring a drop of water into several chalices already arrayed upon the altar.
It is not, however, universal liturgical practice. Many celebrants prefer to place water in all chalices, along with wine, so that all communicants can receive from wine that has been mixed with water according to ancient Church tradition.
This may be done in two ways. If there are only a couple of extra chalices, then wine and water, or just water (if the extra chalices are already prepared) may be placed in all of them during the preparation of the gifts.
If there are many chalices, then water and wine may be placed in all but the principal chalice when the chalices are prepared before Mass begins.
This latter solution is generally practiced by the Vatican sacristans for large concelebrations at St. Peter's.
In the wake of our comments on multiple vessels (Sept. 25) a reader asked: "When several chalices are prepared for a concelebrated Mass, my understanding is that it is correct to add water to the wine only in the 'main' chalice, and that it is not necessary to add water to the wine in all the chalices. Is there any official document in which this is specified?"
This point has been discussed by liturgists, but no consensus has been found. Nor am I aware of any official norms on this particular subject.
Some liturgists hold the position that it is sufficient to add water to the chalice of the principal chalice, which thus forms a moral unity with the other chalices for the purpose of consecration.
This argument is fairly solid from the theological standpoint, and there would certainly be no doubt that the consecration would be valid and licit.
It also solves the problem of the rather ungainly sight of a deacon or priest pouring a drop of water into several chalices already arrayed upon the altar.
It is not, however, universal liturgical practice. Many celebrants prefer to place water in all chalices, along with wine, so that all communicants can receive from wine that has been mixed with water according to ancient Church tradition.
This may be done in two ways. If there are only a couple of extra chalices, then wine and water, or just water (if the extra chalices are already prepared) may be placed in all of them during the preparation of the gifts.
If there are many chalices, then water and wine may be placed in all but the principal chalice when the chalices are prepared before Mass begins.
This latter solution is generally practiced by the Vatican sacristans for large concelebrations at St. Peter's.
posted by Chipi Buenafe at
12:06 PM
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