The Flyfords Family
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An Explanation Of Altar Linen And Candles
The Purificator
This is used for wiping the vessels after the Ablutions. This is a separate piece of linen for hygiene reasons and also so that the wine residue which cannot be consumed is kept in the chalice until it is washed. This avoids any drops of consecrated wine being spilt.
It is a towel of soft linen, about 14 inches [35 cms] square with a fine hem. It may have a small cross or other emblem embroidered in white thread in one corner.
When preparing the vessels for the priest to take to the altar, the purificator is placed over the mouth of the chalice.
The paten [plate] is placed on top of the purificator, and in some churches it is customary for the priest’s wafer to be placed on the paten. This is done because this is the bread used at the elevation of the paten during the Eucharist.
The Pall (from the Latin Pallium meaning cloak)
In some churches this is used in place of a second corporal for covering the chalice during the service as it prevents any foreign bodies entering the chalice or paten [Explanation of a corporal follows].
It is in the form of a stiffened fine white linen-covered square of 6 inches [15 cms], or large enough to cover the paten. The top side may be decorated with a linen-thread cross.
In preparing the vessels the pall is placed on the paten covering the priest’s wafer.
The Silk Veil
Used in some churches for covering the chalice, paten and pall, before and after the Consecration, [although the Prayer Book rubric requires the use of a second corporal for this purpose].
An ornamental silk veil about 22 inches [55 cms] square, of the colour of the season, lined with silk or similar material. It may be ornamented with a cross in gold or silk thread. It is placed over the vessels, with one side turned up and laid back on top with the lining showing, to allow the priests hands to reach the chalice.
The Burse
[from the Latin meaning bursa meaning purse]
Used to contain and carry the corporal to keep it clean. [or corporals, if a pall is not used]
It is a case made in the form of two conjoined squares of stiff card covered on the outside faces with silk to match the veil and lined on the inside with white linen. The two squares are about 9 inches [22 cms] and hinged on one side only. One outside face may be decorated with embroidery in gold or silk thread, in keeping with the silk veil, which the burse matches.
The Corporal
(from the Latin corporalis meaning belonging to the body. i.e Christ)
The first is used to spread on top of the middle of the altar, reaching to – but not overhanging – the front edge. The Consecration of the Elements takes place on the corporal. [If a second corporal is used in place of a pall, it is spread over the vessels before Consecration, instead of the silk veil.
The corporal is a cloth of fine, firm linen with about a one inch [2 cm] hem, and is approximately 22 inches [55cms] square. It may be ornamented with a single linen- thread cross [not raised], close to the hem in the position shown in the diagram, indicating the side which lies nearest to the Celebrant. This cross also helps indicate the correct way of folding.
The corporal is folded in nine, ie in three and three again, making a square in such a way as to ensure the best face, which is to lie uppermost when spread on the altar. This is folded inside, so that it cannot become soiled before or after actual use at the altar.
The first corporal is kept between the covers of the Burse when not in use. When preparing the vessels, the Burse is placed last, on top of either the second Corporal or the silk veil.
Lavabo Towel
Used for drying the priest’s hands, after he has washed them before the Consecration. When not in use, it is kept with the lavabo dish and jug. The lavabo towel is made of linen, or other smooth, white absorbent material. It is about 24 inches [60 cms] long and 12 inches [30 cms] wide. It is fringed or hemmed at both ends, and may have a white thread cross, as shown. It is folded in two or three lengthways.
Altar Linen
In addition to the frontal of silk, which hangs on the front face of the altar, or may be in the form of an ample cloth spread all over the altar and touching the ground all round, there are four altar cloths whose possible use is listed below. They will be described in the order in which they are placed. The dust cover is described separately.
Waxed Cloth:
This is needed if the altar is of stone and in a really damp church. It is a sheet of specially prepared cloth, of the size of the altar top. The object of its use is to prevent condensation moisture from damaging the linen cloths, and is laid directly on the stone or wooden top of the altar.
Frontlet Cloth:
This is a thick linen cloth, the size of the altar top. To it is stitched the silk ornamental frontlet and often, also, the frontal itself. There is, of course, no frontlet, if a ‘throw-over’ frontal is use.
Plain Linen Cloth:
This is a plain fine linen cloth, of the size of the altar top.
Fair Linen Cloth:
This is a long cloth of fine linen. It is the width of the Altar, and long enough to reach to within a few inches of the ground each side. Where a ‘throw-over’ frontal is used, the fair linen cloth may be similar in shape, and almost as long. It is traditional for this type of fair linen cloth to be fringed. It may have white thread crosses to mark the corners of the Altar. At the ends it may be ornamented with drawn thread work, or a linen fringe, or deeply hemmed, as desired.
The Altar Dust Cover:
A suitable material is a coarse unbleached linen. The large movable cover should be width enough to cover the altar top, and long enough to hang over the ends, and cover the fair linen cloth to the bottom at each end.
Concerning Candles
Although it would sometimes appear to the contrary, candles are not decorative in liturgical celebrations. They have a purpose, either to give light for reading, or to signify a special action or a place of devotion.
On the main altar, only two candles are necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Candles in processions were originally to light the way. They are seldom needed for this purpose now. When carried in a Gospel procession, they emphasise the special honour accorded to the Word of God.
If the Liturgy of the Word takes place in a part of the church away from the altar, it is fitting that candles call attention to this area. It is traditional at the principal celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days to light the candles on altars that are used for Eucharists at other times.
Candles for the congregation are appropriate at the Great Vigil of Easter, on Candlemas, and at other times when their purpose is clear.
The Paschal Candle is lit first on Easter morning and on every Sunday during the season of Easter. It is also lit for baptisms and funerals throughout the year.
