by Giuseppe Monno
- What does “Host” mean?
The term Host comes from the Latin hostia and means “sacrificial offering.” - What is the Host in the Mass?
The Host is a thin wafer of bread used in the Eucharistic celebration. Sacramental bread, also called Communion bread, Communion wafer, Sacred host, Eucharistic bread, the Lamb or simply the host, is the bread used in the Catholic ritual of the Eucharist and the body of Christ. Along with sacramental wine, it is one of two elements of the Eucharist. The bread may be either leavened (without yeast) or unleavened, depending on tradition. - Are bread and wine only symbols?
No. After the consecration, their whole substance is truly changed into the substance of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, while the accidents (that is, the appearances: shape, taste, smell, and texture) remain those of bread and wine. - Why is it called a “sacrificial offering”?
Because it re-presents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offered for the salvation of humanity. - When was the Eucharist instituted?
During the Last Supper, when Jesus Christ said: “This is my body” and “This is the chalice of my blood… Do this in remembrance of me.” - What does the Holy Mass re-present?
The Holy Mass makes present, in an unbloody manner, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross which is ongoing in heaven. - What were Hosts like in the early centuries?
They were larger loaves of bread, broken and distributed to the faithful. - When did small, thin Hosts begin to be used?
From the 4th century onward, in order to preserve them more easily and to bring them to the sick. - Why is the Host round?
The circular shape is due to practical reasons: it allows for uniform production, easier preservation, and convenient distribution. - What is the Host made of today?
Only wheat flour and water, without yeast or salt. - Where is the consecrated Host kept?
In the tabernacle, where it is reserved and adored. - What is the “breaking of the bread”?
It is the gesture by which the priest breaks the Host during the Mass. - What is the meaning of the breaking of the bread?
It recalls the gesture of Jesus Christ and signifies communion among the faithful. - Why is a fragment placed in the chalice?
This rite is called the “commingling” (or commixture): the priest places a fragment of the consecrated Host into the chalice, thus uniting the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the two species; in earlier times, it also expressed the unity among different Christian communities. - Why does the priest add a little water to the chalice?
This gesture signifies the union of the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ and, symbolically, the union of the faithful with him. - What does IHS mean?
It is a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ, derived from the Greek Iesous. - Is the IHS monogram merely decorative?
No. It is a theological symbol that recalls the presence of Jesus Christ. - What meanings have been attributed to it?
Among the principal meanings are: Jesus, Saviour of mankind; In this sign you shall conquer; Jesus, sacrificial offering for salvation. - Why is it engraved on the Host?
To indicate that the consecrated Host is truly Jesus Christ. - What do the nails and the cross on the Host represent?
They represent the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.