Case LXIX: When in Holy Mass Are the Words “I Will Take the Chalice of Salvation” to Be Spoken?

Father A. informs his confrater B. that a careful study of the rubrics has convinced him that the words: Calicem salutaris accipiam must be spoken while the fragments are collected and wiped from the paten into the chalice. On the contrary, Father B. is of the opinion, also based on a study of the rubrics, that these words are to be spoken after the paten has been purified and while the chalice is taken with the right hand. Which of the two views is the right one?

The difference in opinion is caused by an actual difference between the rubrics in the Ritus servandus in the Missal, and those found in the Canon itself, and thus both priests may quote the rubrics. The rubric in the Canon to which Father A. may refer, reads: Then he uncovers the chalice, genuflects, gathers the fragments, if there are any, wipes the paten over the chalice, meanwhile saying: What shall I render ... I will take the chalice of salvation. ... And only then follows: He takes the chalice in his right hand and, signing himself with it, says: The Blood of the Lord. ... Contrary to this rubrica specialis the rubrica generalis in the Ritus servandus regulates ceremonies and words in the following manner: Then, having lowered his hands, he says secretly: What shall I render ... he has rendered to me, and meanwhile he uncovers the chalice, genuflects, rises, uncovers the paten, inspects the corporal, gathers with the paten any fragments that are upon it, and carefully wipes the paten over the chalice with the thumb and forefinger of his right hand and wipes those fingers themselves, lest any fragments remain upon them. After wiping the paten, with thumbs and forefingers joined, he takes the chalice with his right hand below the cup and the paten with his left, saying: I will take the chalice of salvation.

While, therefore, the words Calicem Salutaris, according to the special rubrics (infra missam) must be spoken during the extersion of the paten, the rubrica generalis directs quite plainly that these words should be spoken post extersionem patenae. It appeared, therefore, to some authorities that it was optional with the priest to speak these words either during or after the Extersio patenae. This is the opinion of de Herdt, who, in his Prax. S. Lit. (tit. I, n. 267), writes: “During the gathering of the particles and the extersion of the paten the priest may say the words: Calicem Salutaris, in accordance with the rubrics contained in the Ordo Missae, according to the general rubrics, however, these words are spoken after the purifying of the paten,” and in the following paragraph (n. 268) he says: “Taking the chalice in his hand the priest says the words Calicem Salutaris—unless he has already said them while gathering up the particles and purifying the paten.”

Other authorities believe, however, that these words should be said after the extersio patenae, when actually taking the chalice. Thus teaches Meratus (ad Gavantum. t. I., p. II., tit. X. N. 12). This is also the opinion of St. Alphonsus and of most rubricists following him, thus J. Fornici (Institution, Lit., p. I., c. 31), Jos. Schneider, S.J., in his Manuale Sacerdotum, and Hartmann in the Repertorium. Moreover, Benedict XIV. has defended this view in his book De Sacrificio Missae. If number and importance of these authorities are considered this opinion deserves preference. But it does so also for intrinsic reasons. The rubrics in ordine missae are brief and find explanation in the rubricis generalibus, which, in our case, direct explicitly the order of ceremonies and words, while the special rubrics do this more summarily. Furthermore, the principle that actions and words should agree must be considered. This agreement is present if the words Calicem Salutaris accipiam are said while the hand takes the chalice. Nevertheless, so the Monitore Ecclesiastico observes, we should not find fault with one who adheres to the special rubrics in ordine missae, because these are indeed the weightiest and most authentic guide for the offering up of holy Mass.

Ig. Rieder.