Purificator

Understanding the Church Purificator

The church purificator is a small but significant cloth in the liturgical practices of many Christian denominations, particularly within the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other liturgical traditions. It plays a crucial role during the celebration of the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Mass.

The Role of the Purificator in Liturgical Celebrations

During the Eucharist, the purificator is used by the priest or Eucharistic minister to wipe the chalice after each communicant partakes of the wine, which is consecrated as the Blood of Christ. This act ensures the cleanliness of the chalice for the next communicant and shows reverence for the sacred vessels and their contents. The purificator is also employed to dry the vessels after they have been purified following Communion.

Characteristics of a Purificator

A church purificator is typically a small rectangular cloth of white cotton, often marked with an embroidered cross in the center to distinguish it from other linens. Our standard models measure approx. 47 x 28 cm (18.5 x 11 in); selected models measure 25 x 48 cm (9.8 x 18.9 in). They are folded in three layers and are designed to be absorbent, as they come into contact with the Precious Blood during the sacrament.

The Importance of Proper Care

Given its sacred use, the purificator requires careful handling and maintenance. After each service, purificators are soaked in water to remove any traces of the consecrated wine before being laundered. They are then washed, typically with mild, unscented detergent, and ironed while damp to achieve a crisp finish. It is crucial not to fold purificators with creases, as they need to lay flat during their use.

Making and Maintaining Purificators

Churches often rely on the dedicated service of parishioners for the creation and upkeep of purificators. Some individuals take on the task of hand-making these linens, ensuring they are crafted with care and reverence. The process includes precise cutting, sewing, and sometimes the addition of hand-embroidered crosses or lace edging. The meticulous care given to these linens reflects the respect for their role in the liturgy.

Purificator Sizes and Materials

Our purificators are made of cotton; most models use 100% cotton fabric, chosen for its absorbency and easy care. Standard models measure approx. 47 x 28 cm (18.5 x 11 in). Selected models measure 25 x 48 cm (9.8 x 18.9 in). Always check the product page for the exact dimensions of a specific design.

Common liturgical purificators range from about 12 x 12 in to 12 x 18 in. The right size depends on the chalice, the local sacristy custom and how the cloth is folded.

Purificator vs Corporal, Pall and Lavabo Towel

The purificator is one of the linens in a chalice set, but it is not the same as the corporal, pall or lavabo towel. The corporal is the square cloth on which the host and chalice are placed. The pall is a stiff square cover placed over the chalice. The lavabo towel is used by the priest to dry his hands after the washing. The chalice veil covers the chalice before and after the Eucharistic Prayer, and the burse holds the corporal. The purificator is the small cloth used to wipe the chalice and paten and the priest's fingers and lips.

Complete the set: corporal, pall, lavabo towel, chalice veil and chalice linen sets.

Purificator Embroidery Designs

Our purificators are available with embroidered IHS, PX, Jerusalem Cross, Marian emblem, lily, heart in a crown, fish and hands-and-cross designs. The IHS monogram is a traditional Christogram. The PX (Chi-Rho) is an early Christian symbol of Christ. The Jerusalem Cross is associated with the Holy Land, and Marian emblems honor the Virgin Mary. Choose a design that matches your parish vestments and the liturgical season.

Popular designs: IHS purificator, PX purificator, Jerusalem Cross purificator and Marian purificator.

Complete Your Chalice Linen Set

A purificator is usually bought with the other chalice linens. We make matching sets and single pieces, so you can replace one cloth or order a complete set for a new chalice. All pieces are handmade in Poland and can be ordered in standard sizes; contact us for custom embroidery.

Shop: chalice linen sets, corporals, palls, lavabo towels and chalice veils.

FAQs About Church Purificators

What is a church purificator?

A church purificator is a small white cloth used during the Eucharist to wipe the chalice and paten, and to dry the priest's fingers and lips after Communion. It is one of the chalice linens and is usually folded in three layers.

What is a purificator made of?

In our range, purificators are made of cotton; most models use 100% cotton fabric. Linen is the traditional material and the liturgical term for these cloths. Cotton is absorbent, durable and easy to wash, which is why we use it for most designs.

What is the difference between a purificator and a corporal?

The corporal is the square cloth on which the host and chalice are placed during Mass. The purificator is the smaller cloth used to wipe the chalice and paten. They are different linens and are usually bought together in a chalice set.

What are the five sacred linens?

The core chalice linens are the corporal, purificator, pall, chalice veil and burse. The lavabo towel is also part of the set and is used by the priest to dry his hands after the washing.

What is the standard size of a purificator?

Common liturgical purificators range from about 12 x 12 in to 12 x 18 in. Our standard models measure approx. 47 x 28 cm (18.5 x 11 in); selected models measure 25 x 48 cm (9.8 x 18.9 in). Check the product page for the exact size of a specific design.

How do you fold a purificator?

Fold the purificator in three layers so that the embroidered cross sits in the center of the folded cloth. Avoid pressing sharp creases into the embroidery. Store it flat and iron it while slightly damp.

How do you wash a purificator?

Soak the purificator in cold water first to release any traces of the consecrated wine, then wash it with a mild, unscented detergent. Iron it while damp. Follow the sacristy custom of your parish for the first rinse and handling of the sacred linens.

What does "purificator" mean?

The word comes from the Latin purificare, meaning "to purify". The purificator is the cloth used to purify the chalice and paten after Communion.

Why is the purificator important?

The purificator ensures the cleanliness of the chalice and paten during the Eucharist and shows reverence for the sacred vessels. Its careful handling and maintenance are part of the sacristy work.

Who makes your purificators?

Our purificators are handmade in Poland. We offer 32 designs, from simple white crosses to IHS, PX, Jerusalem Cross and Marian embroidery, with single pieces from $6.

In conclusion, the church purificator is a small but important part of the chalice linen set. Its careful preparation, folding and maintenance are acts of reverence for the Eucharist and for the sacred vessels.