Every five years, the Archdiocese of Valencia promotes Eucharistic adoration with a Jubilee Year of the Holy Chalice. The focus of the celebration is the chalice that tradition holds is the Holy Grail itself. This Jubilee Year was called in October 2020 and will last until October 2021.
The Holy Chalice, or Santo Cáliz, is the object most commonly credited with being the actual Holy Grail. Hewn from agate, the cup has a chocolate color and is ornamented in gold. The agate cup is dated to the 1st century, while the decorated base is medieval. The Holy Chalice is preserved at the Valencia Cathedral, where it attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Pilgrimage and indulgence
According to Catholic News Agency, the theme of this Jubilee Year is “the intimate relationship between the Passion of Christ and the Eucharist.” Fr. Edgar Esteve, of the Archdiocese of Valencia, invited all of the faithful to make a pilgrimage to Spain to venerate the Holy Chalice. He said:
“All of us are invited to make a pilgrimage to the Chapel of the Holy Chalice to contemplate and pray before the relic of the Chalice of the Lord’s Supper and to be renewed in our faith and hope and encouraged in our Christian charity.”
The Spanish priest went on to note that the Jubilee is important to all Christians, not just those in Spain. He called the Jubilee Year a “gift that Pope Francis has made to the universal Church.” Those who make the pilgrimage would receive a plenary indulgence.
While the Church has not recognized the Valencia chalice as the genuine article, it is steeped in tradition. The Holy Chalice has, however, been recognized by several popes through use and veneration.
According to Wikipedia, Pope St. John Paul II celebrated Mass with the Holy Chalice in 1982. Pope Benedict XVI also used the artifact for Mass in July 2006, and Pope Francis granted the Holy Year of the Chalice in 2016.
And today we celebrate...