About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 22 - Purification of the Vessels.

‘PURIFICATION OF THE VESSELS’.

After communion, the priest purifies the vessels. In the 4^th century, St John Chrysostom (345-407) advocated that his priests take a little water or eat a piece of bread so that nothing of the sacred species remain in the mouth after communion.  Ordinary wine was used for this purpose, and this custom remained until late middle Ages. 

From the 7^th century onward, there gradually appeared the custom of washing the cup, originally done after the liturgy and the cleansing of the priest’s fingers. Originally, this was done in silence, however, by 1570, two obligatory prayers were included in this ritual.

Today, the Order of the Mass has simplified this action. If a deacon or Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are present, he/they takes the vessels to the credence table (side table on the sanctuary) where they are purified. When there is no deacon, the priest returns to the altar from distributing communion and collects any remaining particles on the paten. He then purifies the paten or ciborium over the chalice, then purifies the chalice, and dries it with a purificator. Then they are covered with the pall cloth (which is in the same colour as the vestments). The priest then gives it to the altar servers who then carry it to the credence table.

While this is happening, the congregation are engaged in prayer either silently or a hymn of praise. It is a time that should be conducive to prayer and as a congregation; we can help each other by making it so.

When he is ready, the priest returns to the presidential chair and sits down. Originally, priests made their thanksgiving after Mass, but today this silent time especially when it is sufficient in length helps to nourish prayer. Then the prayer after communion serves to sum up the unspoken sentiments of the entire congregation.