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Vessels Used to Receive Communion during the History of the Church Joanne Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Question:

During a recent class on the Liturgy, Father mentioned that small metal tubes, or "straws", were once used to receive the Precious Blood during communion. Can you please give me any information on this and/or lead me to historical references where I can research this surprising statement? I'm hoping to find out why the use of these objects became acceptable, the approximate time they were used in the Church, and when their use was discontinued. I found a reference online about golden straws being used by the Cardinals at the first concelebration at St. Peter's, but it only a statement of recollection and didn't give any other information.

I would appreciate any help you can provide. I'm so intrigued about this that I've been searching evferywhere, but in vain. Thank you and God Bless.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Joanne,

I also had a hard time digging up information on this, but here is what I've found.  First of all, their use was never completely abolished, in fact in the current Roman Rite there is still mention of the "tube".

Properly it is called "fistula", which is also a medical term for an abnormal passageway within the body.

According to my source, the fistula originated in the Eastern Church and was never commonly used in the West.  Since 1385, it has only been used in pontifical masses.

Mr. Slavek
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