Water and Wine Cruets
A small vessel
used for containing the wine and water required for the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass. Two are always employed. The Roman Missal (Rubricę Gen.,
XX) directs that they should be made of glass. This is the most
suitable material because easily cleaned, and its transparency obviates
danger of confounding the water and wine. Other materials, however, are
used, such as gold, silver, and other precious metals. In this case it
is advisable to have a V (Vinum) on the wine and an A (aqua) on the
water cruet, so that one may be easily distinguished from the other. In
shape nothing is prescribed, but the vessels should have a good firm
base on which to stand securely and a fairly wide neck so as to admit
of being easily cleansed. They should have a cover to keep away flies
and insects. Formerly the wine for the Holy Sacrifice was brought by
the faithful in a jar-shaped vessel. It was then received by the deacon
and poured into the chalice, a vestige of which custom is still
observable at the consecration of a bishop.[1]
