Mass Liturgical Linens by Lynn Smith – Church Altar Cloths for Sale
Purificator
The size of purificators are generally 12″ x 12″ with an embroidered center cross. Purificators are folded in thirds and placed over the chalice and under the paten. These small linens are the most frequently laundered of all the liturgical linens use. Purificators are used to clean out the chalice and paten after communion. Purificators are washed preferably by hand in the Sacristry following the service.
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Lavabo Towel
The standard size of a lavabo towel is 17″ x 11″ and is used by the priest to dry his hands before the consecration of the host at the communion service. Lavabo towels are embroidered with a cross on the center front of the towel. The lavabo towel is held by the acolyte during the service. The term “lavabo towel” comes from the Latin root, “lava,” meaning to wash.
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Corporal
The corporal is a large square linen usually 18″ x 18″, and is folded in thirds and placed underneath the chalice. The corporal is used to catch any crumbs from the host during consecration. Corporals are embroidered with one center front cross. The corporal is so named because the word comes from the Latin “corpus,” meaning body.
Pall
Palls are square, usually 7 x 7″, and stiffened with plexiglass for ease of laundering. Palls are often enlarged to accommodate a wide chalice. Palls are embroidered with a large center cross. Palls are placed over the chalice during communion. The function of the pall liturgical linen is to cover the Eucharistic elements during communion.
Credence Linens
Credence linens are custom-made mass linens that cover the credence table, which holds the bread and wine before consecration. The credence table is used at the offertory. Credence linens are embroidered with one center cross.
Communion Veils
Communion veils are normally square and vary in size according to the number of communicants. Communion veils are used to cover all of the elements during the liturgy. Communion veils are removed before consecration.
Amice
The amice is worn as a neck cloth and is a rectangular linen with long ties, usually 60″ in length, and one embroidered cross. The amice dates back to the Gothic period. The amice is worn beneath the chasuble to protect the chasuble from any wear next to the skin. The amice mainly worn in the R.C. church and in some Anglo-Catholic churches.
Baptismal Towel
The dimensions of the baptismal towel are that of the lavabo towel. However, it is embroidered with a shell and not a cross. The shell is used as the symbol of water in a baptism. Baptismal towels are often given to the parents as keepsakes.
Church Altar Cloths
Fair linens are custom-made mass liturgical linens that cover the main altar and are embroidered with five crosses, one in each corner of the mensa and a centered embroidery. The five crosses on the fair linen are meant to depict the five wounds of Christ. A fair linen usually includes a drop, which is completely at the discretion of the altar guild. Drops on a fair linen vary enormously, but a short drop ( 4″ or less ) on a fair linen is discouraged, as the drop is not sufficient to hang properly. Longer drops on fair linens are encouraged, as they are visually more pleasing. Fair linens often include a lace trim on the drop. Fair linens should be stored rolled when not in use. The fair linen represents the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped for burial.
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