Altar linens are the white linen cloths used at the altar: the corporal, purificator, pall, altar cloth and lavabo towel. In short, they protect the sacred vessels and the altar itself, follow strict liturgical norms, and are best made of pure linen. Browse our altar tablecloths and chalice linen sets.
What is the corporal?
The corporal is a square linen cloth, usually about 50 cm, spread on the altar during Mass. The chalice, paten and host rest on it. It is laundered in a special way because it has touched the sacred species, and it is kept in the burse between celebrations.
What is the purificator?
The purificator is a folded linen cloth, about 25 x 25 cm, used to wipe the chalice and the priest's fingers and lips at Communion. It is usually marked with a small cross in the centre and is laundered with the same care as the corporal.
What is the pall?
The pall is a stiff square, about 15 cm, covered with white linen, placed over the chalice to keep dust and insects out. In the past it was often a card; today it is usually a rigid fabric square matching the liturgical colour or plain white.
What is the altar cloth?
The altar cloth (or fair linen) covers the top of the altar and hangs down its sides. It is white linen and, by tradition, the altar should be covered with at least one cloth. Many parishes use an under-cloth and a decorated top cloth. See our altar tablecloths.
How do you care for altar linens?
Linens that touch the sacred species (corporal, purificator) get a special first rinse in water before the normal wash, poured into the sacrarium. After that, machine wash on a gentle cycle with white detergent, iron while slightly damp, and store flat or folded, never damp. Embroidered cloths should be dry cleaned.
FAQ
Can altar linens be cotton? Linen is traditional and preferred; cotton is a practical, permitted alternative for some pieces.
How often are altar linens changed? Corporals and purificators should be changed whenever visibly soiled and after each major celebration; altar cloths are changed according to parish practice and feasts.
Conclusion
Every piece of altar linen has a purpose and a norm. Stock a complete set – corporal, purificator, pall, altar cloth and lavabo towel – from our altar tablecloths, chalice linen sets and lavabo towels. Linen-loving parishes may also enjoy our linen chasubles.
Related reading
Complete the picture with our chalice veil guide and what the burse is for.
