What Is a Gold Chalice Pall?
A gold chalice pall is a stiffened square of fabric placed on top of the chalice during Mass, finished in gold for the greatest feasts of the year. Like every chalice pall it protects the Precious Blood from dust and insects, and it belongs to the family of chalice linens together with the corporal and the purificator. Its gold fabric marks the day as one of particular solemnity.
Is Gold a Liturgical Color?
Gold is not one of the season colors. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 346) provides that on more solemn days, festive — that is, more precious — sacred vestments may be used even if they are not of the color of the day, and such vestments may be made of gold-colored fabric. Gold therefore stands for solemnity itself: it can accompany white, red or any other color on the Church's greatest days.
When Is Gold Used?
Gold is chosen for the most solemn celebrations: Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, patronal feasts, jubilees and ordinations. Parishes that keep one special pall for the year often choose gold — it is the piece that comes out when the church is at its most festive, from the Christmas midnight Mass to the Easter Vigil.
Our Gold Chalice Palls
The gold collection counts 10 embroidered designs in 18 × 18 cm and 20 × 20 cm, priced from $18 to $20. The IHS monogram appears in 4 designs; the Lamb of God in 2 — including the richly embroidered Sacrificial Lamb; the remaining designs carry the word "Christmas", the word "Alleluia", a red cross, and a design with three crosses. See the full chalice pall collection for every color, and pair gold with our white and red palls.
Gold Palls and the Chalice Linens
For the greatest feasts, the gold pall is joined by the purificator, the corporal and the chalice veil — all available as a coordinated chalice linen set in matching fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold a Liturgical Color?
Gold is not a season color. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal allows more precious festive vestments — for example of gold fabric — on more solemn days, even if they are not of the color of the day.
When Is Gold Used at Mass?
On the most solemn celebrations: Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, patronal feasts, jubilees and ordinations.
What Symbols Decorate Gold Chalice Palls?
The IHS monogram (4 designs), the Lamb of God (2), the words "Christmas" and "Alleluia", a red cross, and a design with three crosses.
Related reading: What Is a Chalice Pall? Meaning, Sizes, and Use at Mass.
