The Catechism of the Catholic Church states plainly that the “Christian altar is the symbol of Christ himself, present in the midst of the assembly of his faithful” (1383). The altar is therefore not a remote and isolated image of Christ, but one standing in the midst of his people. For this reason, the altar is given the most prominent location in a church, occupying a place that is “truly the center toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful naturally turns.”⁵ For similar reasons, the Church’s legislation strongly encourages that altars be fixed to the floor to indicate Christ’s eternity and never-ending commitment to his people.⁶ Moreover, at least its “Mensa” (table) is to be made of stone, echoing the scriptures which repeatedly call Christ a rock and cornerstone (see 1 Pt 2:4, 1 Cor 10:4, Eph 2:20). Although exceptions are allowed in particular cases for wooden or portable altars, stone is meant to indicate Christ’s strength and permanence.

When an altar is dedicated, it is anointed and incensed. These liturgical actions reveal the sacramental reality of the altar as sacrament of Christ.⁷At the Prayer of Dedication, an altar is anointed with sacred chrism precisely because Christ is the One anointed by the Father with the Holy Spirit, making him “high priest, who on the altar of his Body, would offer the sacrifice of his life for the salvation of all.”⁸ Incense is burned to signify that the perfect sacrifice of Christ      ascends to God “as an odor of sweetness.” Thomas Aquinas noted in the Summa that not only does the altar itself signify Christ, but the consecration “signifies Christ’s holiness.”⁹

The lighting of candles on the altar follows, not only indicating the festive nature of the event but to signifying Christ as the “light to enlighten the nations.” ¹⁰ The rites of the Church, then, lead the viewer from the external sign to the sacramental mystery it makes present: in looking at an earthly object made of stone, even Christ’s holiness can be encountered.

Practically speaking, any enrichment given to an altar should increase the revelation that the altar itself is Christ; it should not be a signboard for an unrelated pious image or devotional slogan. The five consecration crosses on the “Mensa” of the altar, for instance, reveal that the altar is Christ because they indicate his five wounds. They belong to the nature of Christ himself, and therefore to the nature of the altar itself. Inset areas of gold mosaic or multicolored stone, similarly, express in architectural terms the gem-like radiance of heaven which correspond to Christ glory.

By Fr. Dennis R. McNamara