Grace Thompson
The corporal is a square linen cloth used in Catholic liturgy to celebrate the Eucharist. It is placed on the altar to catch crumbs from the host during consecration. The corporal is usually folded inside-out, with the decorative embroidered cross facing up. To fold a corporal, start by laying it out flat and smoothing out any wrinkles. Then, fold the bottom third of the linen up, followed by the top third. Next, bring the right and left thirds in towards the center. Finally, crease the folds with your fingers and, if storing long-term, press the creases with an iron.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square |
| Size | 18" x 18" |
| Fabric | Linen or other fine fabric |
| Colour | White |
| Embellishments | Embroidered cross or shell |
| Folding technique | Folded in 3s or 9s |
| Storage | Stored flat in a square case called a "burse" |
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What You'll Learn
Lay the corporal flat, cross facing up
To fold a Catholic corporal, begin by laying the corporal flat, with the embroidered cross facing up. The corporal is a square linen cloth, usually smaller than the width of the altar, and is used to catch crumbs from the host during consecration. It is important to lay the corporal flat and smooth out any wrinkles at the beginning of the folding process.
The next step is to fold the bottom third of the corporal up, covering a third of the material along the horizontal center. This step ensures that the bottom portion is neatly tucked away and sets the foundation for the subsequent folds.
After the bottom third is folded, you will bring in the right and left thirds, folding them towards the center. This step creates a sense of symmetry and balance, with the right and left sides mirroring each other.
Finally, you will fold down the top third of the linen, fully covering the previously folded sections. At this point, the corporal should be neatly folded into thirds both vertically and horizontally, resulting in nine equal square sections. The cross should be tucked away inside the folded corporal.
It is important to note that the corporal is considered a sacred altar linen, and it should always be handled with care and respect. The careful folding of the corporal is a sign of reverence and ensures that it can be stored properly until its next use.
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Fold up the bottom third
To fold a Catholic corporal, you must begin by laying it out flat, ensuring that the embroidered cross faces up. It is important to smooth out any wrinkles at this stage. The corporal, a square linen cloth, is placed on top of the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is used to catch any crumbs from the host during consecration.
Now, to the folding. First, take the bottom third of the corporal and fold it up. This bottom portion should cover a third of the material along the horizontal centre of the linen. Only the top third should be left free. You can use your fingers to press a light crease into the fold. This will help keep the linen smooth for the next set of folds.
This first fold is important as it ensures that any crumbs from the Eucharist are caught inside the material. This way, they can be shaken off into the piscina, the basin where the Communion vessels are washed. This method of folding the corporal inside out also makes it easier for the priest or deacon to spread it out over the altar.
The next step is to fold down the top third of the linen, using it to fully cover the bottom and middle thirds. Now, only the sides remain to be folded in.
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Fold down the top third
To fold a Catholic corporal, start by laying it out flat with the embroidered cross facing up. Make sure the linen is smoothed out, with no visible wrinkles. Once the corporal is laid out, you can begin the process of folding it into thirds.
For the first fold, take the bottom third of the corporal and fold it up towards the center. This bottom portion should cover a third of the material along the horizontal center of the linen. Now, you will be left with only the top third unfolded.
Here comes the crucial step: folding down the top third. Take the top-most third of the linen and bring it down, covering both the bottom and middle thirds that were previously folded. This step ensures that the entire bottom half of the corporal is now neatly folded. It is important to take a moment to press both folds with your fingers, lightly creasing them. This helps to keep the linen smooth and crisp for the remaining folds.
By folding down the top third, you have transformed the rectangular shape into a smaller rectangle, with the embroidered cross now hidden within the folds. This step sets the foundation for the final folds that will complete the traditional nine-section corporal fold.
Remember, the corporal is an important altar linen in Catholic liturgy, used to catch any crumbs from the host during consecration. The careful folding of the corporal is a sign of respect for the sacred nature of the Eucharist.
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Bring the right third in
To fold a Catholic corporal, you must first lay the linen flat, with the embroidered cross facing up. Then, you can begin folding.
After folding the bottom third up and the top third down, it is time to bring the right third in. This is done by folding the right-most third of the corporal in toward the left. The right third should cover the center third of the linen. This is the third fold in the process.
At this stage, the corporal should be divided into three vertical sections. The right third should now be covering the center third, and the bottom third should be covered by the top third. The linen should be smoothed out, and any wrinkles removed. The folds should be lightly creased with your fingers to help keep the linen smooth for the next folds.
The corporal is an altar linen used in Christianity for the celebration of the Eucharist. It is traditionally made of white linen and is folded into nine sections, forming a small square. The careful folding and opening of the corporal are considered important in liturgical practice.
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Press the creases
Pressing the creases of a corporal is an important step in the process of folding this altar linen. The corporal is a square linen cloth, usually with an embroidered cross in the centre, and is used to catch crumbs from the Eucharist.
To press the creases, first, use your fingers to firmly press along each fold of the material. This will help to keep the linen smooth and crisp. Then, flip the linen over so that the embroidered cross is facing up. Next, use an iron to press the creases. This step is especially important if the corporal is going to be stored for a long time. By pressing the creases with an iron, you will ensure that the linen stays neatly folded and that the creases remain sharp.
It is worth noting that the corporal should be folded carefully and with respect. This is because it is considered the most sacred altar linen in Catholic liturgy. The corporal is usually stored flat in a square case called a burse, which is often richly ornamented with embroidery. The corporal should be washed and cleaned separately from other laundry, and it is important to ensure that any crumbs or particles from the Eucharist are removed before storage.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic corporal is an altar linen used in Christianity for the celebration of the Eucharist. It is a small square of white linen cloth, usually embroidered with a cross.
To unfold a corporal, start with the linen folded and placed flat at the centre of the altar. Unfold it first to your left, then to your right, revealing three squares. Next, unfold the section farthest from you, making six squares visible. Finally, unfold the crease that is nearest to you, making all nine squares visible.
To fold a corporal, reverse the steps for unfolding. First, fold the front three squares away from you, then fold the back three squares towards you. Finally, bring the right and left squares onto the remaining central square.
To prepare a corporal for storage, start by laying it out flat, right-side up, with the cross facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Next, fold the bottom third of the linen up, then fold down the top third. Bring the right and left thirds in towards the centre. Finally, press the folds with your fingers, then use an iron to press the creases before storing the corporal.
The purpose of a Catholic corporal is to "cover and enfold the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ". It is also used to catch any crumbs or fragments from the host during consecration.
