Altar linens

The mass linen set consists of 4 pieces: corporal, finger towel, purificator and chalice pall. Sometimes it also includes the amice. But what is the meaning of each piece? Let us find it out together.

The corporal

The corporal, as the name implies, is a square cloth on which the body and blood of Christ are placed. In ancient times the corporal was larger as it was meant to hold the bread given to the believers. When the bread took the form of small hosts, the corporal also underwent a downsizing. For this special linen we also make burse for corporal that have the function of guarding this piece of cloth on which fragments of the Body of Christ can fall.

The purificator

The purificatory is rectangular in shape and is marked by the embroidery of a cross. Its function is to clean the paten and chalice before depositing the body and blood of Christ in it. In addition, the priest wipes his lips there after drinking from the chalice and dries the latter there before the end of the celebration.

Chalice pall

The pall has the function of covering the chalice to prevent outside elements from entering it. Initially, the task of the pall was fulfilled by the corporal, which given its large size could also cover the chalice. When the corporal became smaller, the pall took over this task. In addition to soft fabric palls, rigid chalice palls with gold embroidery are also available.

The lavabo towel (or finger towel)

The lavabo towel is shaped like a handkerchief and is used after the washing of hands before the Offertory.

Amice

Although not part of the linens for the altar, the amice is often combined with the four pieces just described and embroidered with the same decoration as the mass linen set. The amice is a rectangle of pure linen or pure cotton that is placed by the priest around the neck and shoulders and is fastened around the chest with two bows. Its task is to cover the daily garments and at the same time protect the most important vestments that the priest wears. We make pure linen amices, very breathable and comfortable to wear.

Why choose a hand embroidered altar linen set

The altar linen set is an important liturgical item, which is why we like to take care of it in detail. Each piece is embellished with hand embroidery on the border that is repeated for all components of the mass set. As with our other products, our mass linen sets are exclusively hand-embroidered. The hand embroidery gives an added connotation of preciousness and importance to these four pieces
We use only 100% pure linen or pure hemp fabric. These types of fabric ensure perfect cleanliness of the paten and chalice.

Are you looking for a gift idea for a priest?

Our mass linen sets are a perfect gift idea for priestly ordination or ordination anniversary. That’s why we package them in an elegant gift box where you can store the linens after use.
We have altar linens with simpler embroidery or with more solemn embroidery: contact us, surely you can find the mass linen set that best suits to your needs