Year of the priest, ping!
But in ancient times I suspect we had wooden chalices.
Personal piety can be a fine thing, but the liturgy is no place for it. Just this week a priest remarked to me that at the elevation the priest should be completely immersed in Jesus Christ. It is an awesome moment, in which the full weight of the sacrificing priesthood hits home.
Growing up in Western PA, I fondly remember one of our parish priests who had a chalice made of stainless steel and anthracite coal. It was simple, dignified and resonated with the personal lives of many of the parishoners.
**“A priest’s chalice is a something very personal,” explained Denver Auxiliary Bishop James Conley. “You might say a priest’s chalice is one of the most precious ‘tools of his trade.’”**
My priest’s chalice is very personal to him. White gold with a relief of the crucifix on the outside. God on the inside. He gazes intently at it each time he consecrates the wine mixed with water.