A chalice veil is the square covering placed over the chalice and paten before and after Communion, while the full chalice linen set also includes the burse, corporal, purificator and pall. In short: the veil is the visible, often embroidered top cloth, and the set protects the sacred vessels with linen that is both practical and reverent. Browse our chalice linen sets and veils.
What is a chalice veil used for?
The chalice veil covers the chalice and paten before Mass, after Communion and during the concluding rites, keeping the vessels veiled out of reverence. It is usually square, made of fabric matching the liturgical colour of the day, and often decorated with a cross or embroidery. In the traditional liturgy it is a required piece of the celebrant's equipment.
What does a chalice linen set include?
A complete set typically contains five pieces: the burse (a rigid case holding the corporal), the corporal (the linen cloth on which chalice and host rest), the purificator (for wiping the chalice), the pall (a stiff square covering the chalice) and the chalice veil. Some sets add a lavabo towel for the priest's hands. Our chalice linen sets are available in matching liturgical colours.
What fabrics are used for altar linens?
Corporal, purificator and pall should be linen for tradition, though cotton is an accepted practical alternative. The chalice veil and burse use the same fabric as the vestments of the day – silk, damask or brocade – so they harmonise with the chasuble and stole. Linen is prized for its whiteness and ease of laundering.
How do you care for chalice linens?
Corporals and purificators that touch the sacred species require a special first rinse before normal washing; after that they can be washed with care. Veils and burses with embroidery should be dry cleaned or gently hand washed. Iron on low and store flat or in a breathable bag, away from humidity.
FAQ
Is a chalice veil required at every Mass? It is required in the traditional form and common in the ordinary form; many parishes use it for all celebrations as a sign of reverence.
Can I mix colours of veil and chasuble? The veil should match the liturgical colour of the vestments for a unified look, though this is a rubric of tradition rather than a strict rule.
Conclusion
Complete your sacred vessels with a proper chalice linen set: burse, corporal, purificator, pall and veil. Browse our chalice linen sets, chalice veils and veils in all liturgical colours.
Related reading
Learn what the liturgical burse holds and how the full set of altar linens is used.
