Chapter VI-C. Sacred Vessels 289. Among the requisites for the
celebration of Mass, the sacred vessels hold a place of honor,
especially the chalice and paten, which are used in presenting,
consecrating, and receiving the bread and wine. 290. Vessels
should be made from materials that are solid and that in the
particular region are regarded as noble. The conference of
bishops will be the judge in this matter. But preference is to
be given to materials that do not break easily or become
unusable. 291. Chalices and other vessels that serve as
receptacles for the blood of the Lord are to have a cup of
nonabsorbent material. The base may be of any other solid and
worthy material. 292. Vessels that serve as receptacles for the
eucharistic bread, such as paten, ciborium, pyx, monstrance,
etc., may be made of other materials that are prized in the
region, for example, ebony or other hard woods, as long as they
are suited to sacred use. 293. For the consecration of hosts one
rather large paten may properly be used; o