This chalice was used for receiving Holy Communion. A chalice (Latin 'calix') is a goblet intended to hold a beverage. In Christianity, this would be sacramental wine during Eucharist or the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. A number of early examples of chalices have a large bowl and two handles. Over time, the size of the bowl diminished and the base became larger for better stability. Modern chalices may be made of clay, wood, glass, or other materials. The chalice is considered to be one of the most sacred vessels in Christian liturgical worship, and it is often blessed before use.The arrival of Christianity in Goa is generally attributed to the Portuguese. In 1542, with the advent of the Portuguese, Roman Catholics notably Jesuit priest St Francis Xavier converted many of the local residents of mostly Hindus to Christianity. Following the large scale missionary activity during the Goan Inquisition (1560-1812), the numbers of converts increased rapidly. The conversion of Goa to Catholicism continued with the various religious orders that came during the 16th century, which included the Dominicans (1548) and the Augustinians a few years later.
