When Chrism Spills on a Chasuble
Date: June 11, 2023
Author: Fr. Edward McNamara, LC
Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University.
Question: A priest accidentally poured a large amount of chrism on his chasuble. Are there any directives or suggestions about how to launder this? Is there anything that needs to be done before it can be sent to the cleaners? -- S.T., Sacramento, California
Answer: Although there are clear instructions regarding altar linens and when the Precious Blood is accidentally spilled, there do not seem to be any precise norms regarding cleaning oil on sacred linens, much less on vestments.
This is the case even though there are certain rites when it is presumed that some holy chrism will spill, for example, in those cases when a bishop uses the gremial (a kind of linen apron) during such rites as the anointing of hands during priestly ordination and the dedication of a new altar.
During the latter rite, chrism is poured upon the altar and incensed. When this is completed, the Ceremonial of Bishops, No. 948, says:
“After the incensation, a few ministers wipe the table of the altar with towels and, if necessary, cover it with a waterproof covering. They then cover the altar with an altar cloth ….”
Again, there is no indication of any special rite to clean the above-mentioned towels. It may be presumed that they may be washed in the usual way.
Finally, the 1962 Italian manual for ceremonies published by Ludovico Trimeloni has a section on cleaning sacred linens and vestments, which also covers the possibility of oil stains on fine cloths as found in chasubles. The author, however, limits himself to practical suggestions for stain removal without damaging the textiles and says nothing regarding any special procedure.
These suggestions are 61 years old, and therefore it could be concluded in the case at hand that today nothing extra needs to be done, other than hand them over to a specialized cleaner who will remove any stains and restore the chasuble to its pristine condition.
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