Gold Ciborium
Whenever mass is held in churches, people have a chance to interact with fellow believers and hear gospel followed by meaningful and practical explanation. During this time, churchgoers can also witness the Last Supper through the Eucharist. We receive the body of Christ in the form of Holy Sacrament that is contained in a gold ciborium; silver is also being used. In a closer look, one would notice its similarity with chalice, but much wider like a bowl.
Before the ciborium receives its sacred and important designation, the term was used in the past, not as a container but as canopy shading the altar. Today, the gold ciborium container provides more than a shade, thereby only selected few are allowed to lay their hands on it. A white veil over the ciborium indicates the presence of the Holy Sacrament; sacred ministers only do the handling. And cleric or authorized layperson may only do so if the ciborium is purified and empty.
The religious significance of ciborium justifies its radiant and elegant form, though typically its accessory only includes a cover with a cross on top and at the base. However, others are adorned with biblical characters. Particularly Matthew, Mark, Luke and John embellished a gold plated ciborium having a height of 8.5 inches and 300 host capacities. Additional decoration entails price increase, but other options though has less intricacy comes with less cost.
The Holy Family adorning the stem of a ciborium although can be bought lesser than the amount of Jesus` apostles, still holds equal importance with the other kind. It can only contain 165 hosts even if its height is greater than a quarter. The images seen on the gold ciboria are indeed pleasing. Regardless of its external appearance, we should focus more on the content and utter a simple prayer of gratitude for we are valued despite our transgressions and flaws.