Liturgical Vessels and Processional Sets

Among the requisites for the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacred vessels hold a place of honor, especially the chalice and paten, which are used in presenting, consecrating, and receiving the bread and wine. The Liturgical Vessels and Processional Sets for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels were designed by artist Marirose Jelicich. The simple elegance and timelessness of her liturgical art reflect the dignity and power of the Sacrament.

Liturgical art is an expression of Faith and inspires Faith, allowing the assembly to connect more deeply in the mystery of Salvation. It celebrates the relationship between God and God's people and the dynamic, sacramental engagement of one with the other. The created beauty of the Liturgical Vessels expresses the truth of humankind's relationship with God the Creator.

The Communion Vessels

The Chalice is the cup used to hold the wine, consecrated during the Eucharist into the Blood of Christ. It is about twelve inches tall with a removable handblown glass cup and hammered finished, solid aluminum for the stem. Connecting the top and the base are two Rossa Laguna marble nodes about three eighths of an inch wide each. The cups used to distribute the wine during Communion are similar to the Chalice, but are about eight inches tall and contain one Rossa Laguna marble node between cup and stem.

The Paten is the plate used to hold the bread, consecrated during the Eucharist into the Body of Christ. It is designed with hammered finished aluminum on the outside and one fourth of an inch thick, satin finished aluminum on the inside. Aluminum sheets were spun into the shape of these shallow plates.

The Flagons are the decanters used to hold sacramental wine. They are designed with handblown glass surrounded by an angel motif. The stoppers are sterling silver with Turkish Rosso Laguna marble, the same marble from Carrara, Italy, as the Altar.

The Processional Cross

The three foot square cross on top of an eight foot, satin finished aluminum pole contains semi-precious stones, yellow citrine, blue lapis lazuli, blue topaz, and clusters of pearls set in sterling silver. Because authentic gemstones are difficult to find in exact sizes, handblown glass is incorporated with the gems. On one side of the cross the four liturgical seasons are represented with the colors of red, green, white and purple. On the other side, Our Lady of the Angels is symbolized by blue and aqua colors. A halo of highly finished brass, water-laser cut for a perfect, clean shape, surrounds the top of the cross. Holding the cross at the top of the pole are two aluminum angels.

The Processional Candlesticks

The four, seven foot, powdercoated bronze candleholders are used during liturgical processions. Each has two aluminum nodes wrapped with nine aluminum angels, representing the Scriptural nine choirs of angels. The bobeche, or flat dish to hold the candle, is made of satin finished aluminum.

The Pascal Candlestick

The Pascal Candlestick is used to hold the large Pascal Candle, which is blessed and placed in the sanctuary on Holy Saturday, and kept there until Ascension day, in memory of the Resurrection of Christ. It holds an eight foot candle, weighs over three hundred pounds, and is five feet tall. It is designed of powercoated aluminum with three satin finished aluminum angels holding the aluminum bobeche.

The Incenser and Boat

The swinging incenser, or brazier, is used for blessing with burning incense during the Liturgy. In the Scriptures, incense symbolizes prayer. Psalm 141:2 says, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you." As the smoke rises to heaven, it bears our prayers to God.

The incenser, which holds the burning incense, is designed in satin finished, stainless steel with two powdercoated bronze angels. The swinging chain is made from German silver. The insenser boat, used to hold the unburned incense, is brushed aluminum with a sterling silver spoon. The artist surprised Cardinal Roger Mahoney by placing a piece of the alabaster from the Cathedral's windows into the spoon. The stand for the incenser and boat is powdercoated bronze.

The Pitcher and Basin 

The pitcher and basin, made of handblown glass, are used by the Celebrant to wash the feet of the clergy during the Holy Thursday liturgy. The ritual recalls when Jesus, in an act of humility, washed the feet of His Apostles.

Learn more about the ARTIST.