What Is a Liturgical Burse?
A liturgical burse (also called a corporal burse or vesper burse) is a flat, square container used to hold and protect the corporal — the linen cloth on which the chalice and paten are placed during Mass.
Purpose and Use
The burse serves several important functions:
- Protects the corporal from dust and damage when not in use
- Keeps the corporal flat and wrinkle-free
- Provides a dignified way to transport the corporal to and from the altar
Liturgical Colors
Burses are available in all liturgical colors to match the chasuble and other vestments of the day. The front is typically decorated with an embroidered cross or sacred symbol.
Materials
Our burses are crafted from the same fine fabrics as our chasubles — silk, brocade, and damask — with matching embroidery and stiffened construction to protect the corporal inside.
Special Burses
We also offer specialized burses for specific purposes:
- Burse for sick call paten — used when bringing Viaticum to the sick
- Burse to ailing — designed for pastoral visits to the ill
