I posted this photo and asked TPC readers to spot the liturgical no-nos and here are the answers:
1. The proper attire of a priest offering the Holy Sacrifice are the following: alb, stole and chasuble
Redemptionis Sacramentum says: "123. “The vestment proper to the Priest celebrant at Mass, and in other sacred actions directly connected with Mass unless otherwise indicated, is the chasuble, worn over the alb and stole.” [Take note. The alb, then the stole, then the chasuble, meaning the chasuble covers the alb and stole. Obviously, this means that the stole is placed over the alb and tied with a cincture.]
2. Chalices must be made of precious metal and NOT GLASS.
The GIRM states this:
289. Among the requisites for the celebration of Mass, the sacred vessels hold a place of honor, especially the chalice and paten, which are used in presenting, consecrating, and receiving the bread and wine.
290. Vessels should be made from materials that are solid and that in the particular region are regarded as noble. The conference of bishops will be the judge in this matter. But preference is to be given to materials that do not break easily or become unusable. [In Thailand, where that Mass was held, Gold is held as noble and NOT GLASS. What you can see in the photo is obviously an ordinary water goblet.]
The New GIRM also states in 328-332 that: "328: "Sacred vessels are to be made from precious metal."
Obviously, the glass goblet is a violation of these norms. Glass is not a durable material thus, it is not allowed to be a material for chalices!
This same question about glass chalices was also discussed in Zenit and archived in EWTN.
God commanded that precious vestments and vessels be used when offering sacrifices to Him. These can be read in Exodus 28,
Precious things for our Precious Lord!
St. John Marie Vianney, patron of parish priests did this. He invested A LOT in sacred vessels and vestments but lived the life of a pauper. See my post here.
Here are sample photos:
The saints personal effects.
Now compare this with the vestments he used.
See, where the heart of the great Saint lied?
How many priests do we see today wearing signature clothes and shoes instead of their cassocks or clerical collar but wear flimsy and cheap vestments?
Peter said "Lord you know everything you know that I love you."
Christ answered to something like "Oh yeah? PROVE IT!"
Only Episcopalians consecrate the wine into the Blood of Christ using glass chalices. Doesn't this priest have a mass kit? The Church doesn't recommend the use of glass chalices not just because it isn't noble (the ancient Romans put a high value and regard for it) but because it can break and spill the Most Precious Blood resulting in sacrilege.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I noted. If is appropriate to put icons on the altar? The ancient Tradition in Eastern and Western churches is to have a saint's relics embedded in the altar. The altar can only have a linen cover which in the East can be overlaid by a brocade. The only things allowed on the altar are 1) The Tabernacle( and Eucharistic vessels), 2) The Gospels, 3) the Crucifix (in the Latin church) In the Eastern Church the Crucifix hangs behind the Altar 4) Candles (in the Latin Church) In the Eastern Church, animal products are traditionally not allowed on the altar and this includes candle wax. Candles are placed behind the altar. No other objects are allowed even icons. Icons are placed behind the altar (in the Latin Church and the Eastern Church) or before the congregation as the Iconostasis in the Eastern Church.
Furthermore, no personal gold or other precious adornments can be worn by the priest when celebrating the Divine Liturgy. All gold belongs to the Lord.
And that's why the chalice is made of gold.
The altar is where God becomes Immanuel, the real Treasure! That's why we can't have icons on it and the priest has to divest himself of his earthly treasures.