Our Lady of the Visitation Parish

"Holy Eucharist"

Symbols are the chalice, the host, grapes and grape leaves.

The chalice was an early priest-king symbol of Melchisedek. It is the cup of salvation, the source of never-ending sustenance.

The host is a flat, round piece of unleavened bread (symbolic of manna in the desert) that the celebrant, a priest like Melchisedek, consecrates at the Eucharist. Its name comes from the Latin word "hostia" meaning victim. When shown with the chalice it symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.

Green leaves represent revival and renewal and are emblematic of the Savior.

Bunches of grapes are used to make the Eucharist wine and are symbols for the blood of Christ. Because of their connection with the Eucharistic wine, they symbolize the sacrifice of Christ's blood, while the host represents Christ as sacrificial victim in the Holy Eucharist.