We appropriately deduce that heaven enhances terrestrial truths and connections; it certainly does not terminate them. Therefore, we can infer that the capability of the saints to interact with one another is broadened and refined. In the Creed, we assert our faith in the “Communion of Saints.” The term “communion” shares its root with “communication.” It is through our shared communion with the Lord that our most complete communication can take place. Given that the souls in heaven enjoy perfect communion with God, they similarly share perfect communion with each other. They possess the ability to see and comprehend one another in the Lord in a manner that we can only dream of and yearn for here on earth. How frequently do we express frustration and proclaim to one another, “You don’t grasp what I am attempting to convey!” Yet in heaven, when the weight of our sins no longer hinders us and our communion with each other reaches its fulfillment in our communion with the Lord, we will comprehend as we are comprehended. We will perceive and listen to each other within and through the Lord. It is unlikely that we will even have to resort to words in heaven, as our communion of thoughts and hearts will communicate feelings and affection completely. Consequently, we will be able to express the profoundness of our love for each other and the emotions we truly felt but found difficult to articulate on earth.

Details at Mass

Question: I recall that when the priest would come to perform the Mass, he would carry with him the chalice and the host draped in a veil that matched the season, along with a burse containing the corporal. Why has that practice changed?

— Cataldo Lazzari, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Answer: This was and continues to be a prevalent tradition during a recited (or “low”) Mass in the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). During a sung Mass or solemn high TLM, the priest does not bring in the covered chalice and paten; instead, they are set on the altar or credence table prior to the Mass.

The rationale for the priest carrying the chalice during a low Mass is somewhat ambiguous. It could have originated from an era in monasteries or seminaries when numerous priests held private Masses in the early morning at side altars and aimed to reduce potential distractions caused by the arrangement and removal of liturgical objects for Mass. Therefore, the priest brought in much of what was required and took it out once he was done. As sung or solemn Masses were exclusively conducted at the main altar when other Masses were not taking place, this practice was not needed. On such occasions, there were also typically more servers present.

Currently, the tradition of the priest taking the veiled chalice with him is not as prevalent, yet it continues to happen in certain contexts. This is particularly true during weekday masses when altar servers might be absent and if the credence table is positioned a considerable distance from the altar.

Regarding the tradition of veiling the chalice, this represents a gesture of respect that ensures the holy chalice remains concealed until its vital function is required — specifically, to hold the wine immediately before the consecration and the precious blood until the priest partakes. At other moments, it should be covered or kept hidden, as it is designated for this sacred purpose and occasion only. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal indicates that “it is a commendable practice for the chalice to be veiled.”No. 118). In an era when numerous aspects are informal, there exists worth in concealing what is sacred until its particular purpose dictates otherwise. This similarly applies to modesty.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.