NARRATOR: These liturgical objects were once used by the clergy to administer the sacrament of Holy Communion. They are central to the performance of mass and are probably the most sacred instruments of the church. The chalice held the consecrated wine -- believed to be the blood of Christ. Straws like this one were used to prevent even a drop of wine from spilling. The paten, or plate, held the Eucharist, consecrated bread believed to be the body of Christ, and received in Holy Communion. The origin of the Christian Eucharist is in the gospel accounts of Christ's Last Supper when Jesus gave bread and wine to his disciples. This chalice, paten, and straw are from southwestern Germany and were made for the monastery of Saint Trudpert in 1235. The chalice is silver and elaborately decorated with gems, engraved scenes, and silver filigree. Look at the portraits surrounding the bowl's outer surface. Christ and his apostles are depicted here. Episodes from the Old Testament adorn the base of the chalice, while intricate scenes of Christ's life are rendered on the stem's knobs. The paten is also bejeweled and shows scenes of Abel and Melchizedek, Christ holding the sacraments, and the monastery's patron saint, Saint Trudpert.