CORPORAL

Usage & Symbolism

The corporal is a square, white linen cloth placed on the altar during Mass. Function: It serves as the surface on which the sacred vessels and the host are placed, ensuring that these items rest on a pure and dignified base. Symbolic Meaning: The corporal symbolizes the sanctification of the space where the Eucharist is celebrated, reflecting the transformation of the ordinary (linen) into the extraordinary (the sacred).

Liturgical Basis

The corporal’s use dates back to early Christian practices and was standardized during the Middle Ages to underscore the dignity of the Eucharistic celebration. Liturgical documents stress its role in providing a sanctified context for the sacred mysteries.