Point? I need to have a point? OK: For centuries, the church has been making everything out of gold. I guess it's because the things in the church are for God, so they must be of the finest quality. But the gold came from the poor, mostly, tossing coins into the little basket with handles that goes around two or three times per one-hour mass. Last time I went to church was 8 years ago, and it was the same as when I was a kid. I know these are traditions, but the catholic church is "the rich" that the Pope is crying about. They should consider melting down the gold artifacts and using the gold to buy food for "the poor."
For centuries, the church has been making everything out of gold. I guess it's because the things in the church are for God, so they must be of the finest quality.
(someone tell me how to have the former post placed in italics, please)
From http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03561a.htm
The chalice must not be made of brass or copper, because it generates rust (i. e. verdigris) which causes nausea.
(in the same article)
According to the existing law of the Church the chalice, or at least the cup of it, must be made either of gold or of silver, and in the latter case the bowl must be gilt on the inside. In circumstances of great poverty or in time of persecution a calix stanneus (pewter) may be permitted, but the bowl of this also, like the upper surface of the paten, must be gilt. Before the chalice and paten are used in the Sacrifice of the Mass they require consecration.
Anyone here a chemist? Isn't there some medicinal reason for using gold lined cups with the wine?