The Sacred Chalice of Veronica at the Last Supper: Visionary Insights from Anne Catherine Emmerich
The Fifth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary—The Institution of the Holy Eucharist—recalls the sacred night when Our Lord gave His very Self to the Church under the appearances of bread and wine. While the Synoptic Gospels and St. Paul record the fundamental words of institution, the private revelations of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich provide a detailed description of the Upper Room, the sacred vessels, and the liturgical actions that prefigured the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
1. The Sacred Vessel from Veronica’s House
According to Emmerich’s vision, the table in the Upper Room was raised and covered with three distinct cloths: one red, one white, and an uppermost transparent cloth. Beneath the table stood two jugs containing water and wine.
To prepare for the Eucharistic sacrifice, St. Peter and St. John brought forth a special chalice preserved in its case from the house of Veronica. They carried the case between them in their hands with deep reverence, looking as though they were bearing a tabernacle. On the table alongside the chalice rested ribbed Paschal loaves, three small boxes (two containing thick and liquid oil, and one empty), a flat knife, and six smaller drinking cups.
2. Liturgical Preparations and the Hand-Washing Ritual
Before consecrating the elements, Jesus closed the doors and instructed the Apostles on the mysteries of the Last Supper. Emmerich noted that His actions resembled a bishop or priest teaching others how to celebrate the Holy Mass.
Jesus pulled out a wooden shelf from the altar board, spread a white linen cloth over it, and placed a flat plate holding the four-cornered loaves upon it. Peter poured wine into the central chalice while John poured in water, which Jesus blessed.
Jesus then held His hands over the plate while Peter and John poured water over His fingers. Using a small spoon taken from the foot of the chalice, Jesus scooped up some of the water that had washed over His hands and poured it back over the hands of Peter and John. The plate was then passed around so that all the Apostles washed their hands.
3. The Luminous Consecration of the Eucharist
As the moment of institution approached, Jesus entered into deep interior recollection, appearing completely transparent and shining as a luminous apparition as He poured out His Being in divine love.
- The Bread: Jesus broke the loaves into morsels on the plate and dropped a small scrap into the chalice. Stretching His right hand over the bread in blessing, He declared: “Take and eat. This is My Body which is given for you”. The words issued from His mouth like rays of fire and light, entering the Apostles as the luminous Bread passed into their mouths. Judas alone remained in spiritual darkness.
- The Chalice: Jesus raised the sacred vessel by its two handles to a level with His face and pronounced the solemn words of consecration over the wine and water. He was wholly transfigured as He held the chalice, causing Peter and John to drink directly from it while it remained in His hands.
4. Distribution, Ablution, and the Departure of Judas
Using a small spoon, St. John removed portions of the Sacred Blood from the main chalice into six smaller cups, which Peter distributed so the Apostles drank two by two. Judas partook in darkness, but immediately departed into the night without engaging in prayer or thanksgiving.
Following the distribution, Jesus performed the ablution ritual. Holding His fingers over the chalice, He instructed Peter and John to pour water and wine over His hands into the cup, which they then consumed, bringing the solemn institution to its completion.
5. Devotional Reflection: Praying for the Gift of Faith
In the devotional tradition of St. Louis de Montfort, the Fifth Luminous Mystery is offered to petition for the theological virtue of Faith:
“We offer You, O Lord Jesus, this fifth decade in honor of Your Institution of the Eucharist, and we ask of You, through this mystery and through Mary’s intercession, the gift of Faith. Amen.”
Contemplating the institution of the Holy Eucharist inspires believers to approach the Holy Mass and Holy Communion with renewed awe, gratitude, and reverence for the Real Presence of Christ.
The Last Supper
