Bishop Dennis Sullivan consecrated the altar at Mantua’s Church of the Incarnation on June 27 at its 5 p.m. Mass, asking God that it “may be a place where the great mysteries of salvation are accomplished, and where your people offer you gifts, make known their desires, pour out their prayers, and bring forth every sentiment of worship and devotion.” May it be, he said, “a festive table where the guests of Christ hasten with joy.”
Anointing “the focus of the spiritual life” with chrism oil, the bishop first poured the liquid in the center and in the corners of the altar, before rubbing it over teh entire surface.
“The sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated here,” he said. “Here God is thanked, here Jesus Christ is received.”
The parish sanctuary was remodeled three years ago, but Bishop Sullivan’s schedule prevented the consecration until last weekend. The altar contains relics of many saints: Saint Jude, Saint Bernadette Soubirous, Saint Raymond of Penafort, Saint Cletus, Saint Charles Lwanga, and Saint Celsus.
Father Raymond Gormley, Incarnation pastor, hopes the faithful remember the words of Saint Raymond when they gaze on the new altar: “Look then on Jesus, the author and preserver of faith. … Give thanks to the Lord, the giver of all blessings.”
“This altar will continue to be a focus of the central mystery of our faith,” Father Gormley said.
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