What Is a Rose Chalice Pall?
A rose chalice pall is a stiffened square of fabric placed on top of the chalice during Mass, finished in the soft rose-pink of Gaudete and Laetare Sundays. Like every chalice pall it covers the cup and protects the Precious Blood from dust and insects; its color marks the two days in the year when the Church lightens the violet of penance with a note of joy.
What Does Rose Mean in the Liturgy?
Rose is the color of joy breaking into penance. The two Sundays that use it carry the names of the opening words of their liturgies: Gaudete ("Rejoice") in Advent and Laetare ("Rejoice") in Lent. On those days the Church pauses in the middle of her preparation and invites the faithful to anticipate the joy of Christmas and Easter.
When Is Rose Used?
Rose may be used, where it is the practice, on Gaudete Sunday — the Third Sunday of Advent — and on Laetare Sunday — the Fourth Sunday of Lent — as the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 346) provides. That makes rose the rarest color in the liturgical year: two Sundays out of fifty-two.
Our Rose Chalice Pall
We carry a single rose design: a 20 × 20 cm (7.9 in) pall in 100% cotton with delicate lace edging and a richly embroidered IHS monogram, priced at $20. Because rose appears only twice a year, one well-kept pall serves a sacristy for decades. See the full chalice pall collection for the companion colors — violet for Advent and Lent, red for Pentecost.
Rose Palls and the Chalice Linens
The rose pall pairs with the chalice veil and the other linens of the altar; a coordinated chalice linen set can be ordered for the seasons that use it. Many sacristies keep the rose pall in its own box, brought out on the two Sundays that call for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Rose Used in the Liturgy?
Rose may be used on Gaudete Sunday (the Third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent), where it is the practice.
How Often Is Rose Used Each Year?
Twice: on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
Is Rose the Same as Pink?
Yes — "rose" is the liturgical name for this soft pink shade, chosen to lighten the violet of Advent and Lent.
Related reading: What Is a Chalice Pall? Meaning, Sizes, and Use at Mass.
