In the papal sacristy one spots things that they might never see anywhere else such as the papal fistula, fanon, etc.
I think that these objects on top are mini tabernacles - one of which would be placed on the papal high altar for papal Masses in the Vatican Basilica, but I'll have to ask my confrere Greg.
I may be wrong but I think that they might actually be the 'Pax' or instrumentum pacis, presented to prelates and princes during Masses when the sign of peace is given by the priest.
ReplyDeleteI think these are mostly "osculatoria" used during the Pax
ReplyDeleteAh, okay, many thanks as I was wondering what they were!
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