Christian Brands
Sudbury Vine Embossed Brass Ciborium with Cover, 11 in
Brass ciborium with cover, 6 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall, decorated with a vine motif and holding up to 250 hosts.
Sacred Vessels & Metalware
Ciboria & Pyxes
A ciborium is the covered vessel that holds the hosts for Communion and reserves them in the tabernacle. A pyx is a small flat case for carrying a few consecrated hosts to the sick. Products differ chiefly in capacity. The ciboria here hold 50 to 300 hosts and stand 3 to 11 inches tall, while pyxes hold 10 to 60 hosts. Finishes are polished brass, 24kt gold plate or nickel plate, with covers topped by a cross, knob or grip handle.
Size the ciborium to the largest regular Mass. A parish of 250 communicants is served by the 11 inch Sudbury vine ciborium. A low stacking ciborium of 300 hosts fits a crowded tabernacle. A 50 host ciborium from Needzo covers weekday Mass. For visits to the homebound, choose a pyx by the number of stops. The 3 1/4 inch hospital pyx holds 60 hosts; the small IHS pyxes hold a few each.
8 ciboria & pyxes
The eight vessels below include five ciboria from 50 to 300 hosts and three pyxes for hospital and home Communion.
Sudbury Brass
Sudbury Etched Nickel Plated Ciborium with Cover, 11 in
Etched nickel plated brass ciborium with cover, about 11 inches tall and 6 inches wide; the listing gives no stated host capacity.
Needzo
Needzo Solid Brass Ciborium with Cross Lid, 10 in
High polished gold tone brass ciborium measuring 10 inches tall and 5 1/2 inches across with the cover on, topped by a small cross.
Needzo
Needzo 300 Host Stacking Ciborium, Hammered Lid
Low stacking ciborium of 24kt gold plated brass, 5 1/8 inches across and 3 3/8 inches high, with hammered lid, holding 300 hosts.
Needzo
Needzo Small Brass Ciborium, Loaves and Fish Handle (50)
Small lead-free brass ciborium measuring 2 1/2 by 4 inches with a loaves and fish handle, holding about 50 hosts.
Needzo
Needzo Small Brass IHS Pyx, 2 in (Set of 3)
Set of three polished brass pyxes 2 inches across, each marked with the IHS monogram, for carrying a few consecrated hosts.
Christian Brands
Christian Brands Hospital Communion Pyx, 3 1/4 in
Polished brass pyx with gold finish and chalice and host emblem, 3 1/4 inches in diameter and 1 1/4 inches deep, holding 60 hosts.
Autom
Autom Gold Toned Travelling Pyx with Last Supper Lid
Small brass pyx 2.25 inches across with a Last Supper lid image and removable plastic liner, holding up to 10 hosts.
Side by side
The specifications the makers publish, in one table.
| Product | Size | Color | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudbury Vine Embossed Brass Ciborium with Cover, 11 in Christian Brands | 5 inch | Gold | Check availability |
| Sudbury Etched Nickel Plated Ciborium with Cover, 11 in Sudbury Brass | 11"L x 6"W | Brass | Check availability |
| Needzo Solid Brass Ciborium with Cross Lid, 10 in Needzo | 10 inches (H) x 5.5 inches (L) with lid | Gold | Check availability |
| Needzo 300 Host Stacking Ciborium, Hammered Lid Needzo | 5 ⅛ x 3 ⅜ Inches | Gold | Check availability |
| Needzo Small Brass Ciborium, Loaves and Fish Handle (50) Needzo | Small | Brass | Check availability |
| Needzo Small Brass IHS Pyx, 2 in (Set of 3) Needzo | 2 inches | Gold | Check availability |
| Christian Brands Hospital Communion Pyx, 3 1/4 in Christian Brands | 3.25 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches | Gold | Check availability |
| Autom Gold Toned Travelling Pyx with Last Supper Lid Autom | 2.25 inches diameter x 0.75 inches height | Gold,White | Check availability |
Questions before you order
How many hosts does a ciborium hold?
Makers rate the ciboria here at 50, 250 and 300 hosts for standard 1 1/8 inch people's hosts. Larger 1 3/8 inch hosts reduce the count by about a quarter. The nickel plated Sudbury ciborium lists no capacity, so measure the bowl against an existing vessel.
What is the difference between a stacking ciborium and a standard one?
A standard ciborium stands on a stem and foot, like a covered chalice, and is 10 to 11 inches tall. A stacking ciborium is a low, wide bowl with a flat lid and grip handle, about 3 inches high. Several can be stacked inside a tabernacle.
How many hosts should a pyx hold for sick calls?
A minister visiting two or three homes needs only a small 2 inch pyx holding a few hosts. Weekly rounds of a nursing home are better served by the 3 1/4 inch pyx rated for 60 hosts. Many pyxes have a plastic liner, which should be wiped after each use.
How should brass ciboria be cared for?
Brush out crumbs after each Mass and wipe the bowl with a dry, soft cloth. Wash with warm water only when needed and dry at once to prevent spotting on gold or nickel plate. Avoid abrasive polish, which wears the plating. Store with the cover on.