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it is covered with what is called the veil of white
silk or of the colour of the vestments used each day.
Before the tabernacle a lamp burns night and day
as a sign of the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The
consecrated Species are reserved within the tabernacle in a
gilt vessel called the ciborium. This ciborium itself is
covered with a veil of white silk, cloth of gold
or of silver. The lamp burning before the blessed
Sacrament represents our intense faith in Jesus Christ
and our ardent love for Him ; at the same time,
it also
denotes our desire to keep watch day and night before
the tabernacle if that were possible. The cross placed
in the centre of the altar or over the tabernacle where
there is one, must bear the figure of Jesus Christ cru
cified. It reminds us that our divine Saviour has re
deemed us by the sacrifice of the Cross which is renewed
on the altar.
In sign of our love and veneration for Jesus Christ,
the true light of the world, six candlesticks are usually
placed on the altar, that is to say, three on each side of
the crucifix. When the Bishop of the diocese ponti
ficates, a seventh is placed behind the altar to denote
the fulness of the priestly office conferred by the
episcopal consecration. In these candlesticks are placed
wax candles ; these by their whiteness and the bril
liancy of their light represent the purity and the charity
which should adorn our souls.
The altar linen consists of the cloths which must be
put on the altar for the celebration of the holy Sacri
fice ; there are three of these and the top-most one must
be long enough to touch the ground at each side.
The Communion rail usually encloses the sanctuary ;
it is at this rail that the faithful present themselves
to receive holy Communion. The Communion cloth is