Antique Ciboriums
The faade of churches, particularly ancient churches are artistically created. Looking around, one wouldn`t only be awed by its architectural design but sense sacredness and peaceinvoking our spirituality. Inside, articles used in celebrating masses are well kept. Its presence is acknowledged, but few individuals have knowledge of their usage and designation. Ciborium has been used in Roman Catholic and other religious denomination for so many years. It is designated to perform a paramount duty among the other articles.
Ciboria in plural form otherwise ciborium, is a container used to hold the Blessed Sacrament. The origin of the word is somewhat vague: cibus, Latin word for food and also kiborion, Greek word for cup. Today, the clarity of use in the church is far more important than the ambiguous etymology. The ciborium container is utilized in two ways: distributing and keeping the Holy Communion inside the tabernacle.
For those who cannot attend mass because of sickness, the Holy Communion is given through pyx a small round box instead of a ciborium cup; the latter resembles the chalice shape. The interior should always be lined with gold. However, the material can be either gold or silver. In some instances baser metal is permitted. To facilitate cleaning and removal of the last pieces, the cup`s bottom must be a bit raised at the center. Back in the old days, the materials and usage are quite different and limited for few individuals.
Churches is not the original abode of the Holy Communion, it was kept in silver boxes to be given to person hovering between live and death. Keeping was done in this manner, out of fear of desecration. Unwell people in the fourth century can have Holy Communion kept in the church; others are not entitled to have such privilege. In a good condition or not, people can now receive Holy Communion taken from ciborium. While we still can, why not visit church and receive this blessing and be reminded of the sacrifice done for each and everyone of us.