 |
There
is
a
deep
Catholic
theology
that
underpins
the
meaning,
purpose,
beauty
and
quality
of
the
altar.
As
a
result,
the
altar
in
the
new
Cathedral
of
Our
Lady
of
the
Angels
is
the
most
important
and
central
liturgical
feature
of
the
entire
Cathedral.
Our
belief
and
understanding
is
that
the
altar
is
the
representation
of
Christ
our
Lord.
The
Prayer
of
Blessing
of
the
Altar
highlights
our
understanding
of
the
altar
in
Catholic
worship:
"May
this
altar
be
the
place
where
the
great
mysteries
of
redemption
are
accomplished,
a
place
where
your
people
offer
their
gifts,
unfold
their
good
intentions,
pour
out
their
prayers,
and
echo
every
meaning
of
their
faith
and
devotion."
|
Cardinal
Roger
Mahony
designed
the
Cathedral
altar
in
consultation
with
artisan
Louie
Carnevale.
It
is
made
from
a
six
ton,
thick
slab
of
Turkish
Rosso
Laguna
marble
and
was
fabricated,
cut,
polished
and
shipped
from
Carrara,
Italy.
It
is
eight
feet
wide,
ten
feet
across,
and
ten
inches
thick.
Because
of
its
size,
the
altar
had
to
be
lowered
128
feet
into
the
Cathedral
by
crane
before
the
roof
was
installed.
The marble is a
rich burgundy with veins of white, gray and red. The altar top rests
upon a single round pillar of similar marble and is enhanced with four
bronze angels designed by Mary Louise Snowden.
Since
the
design
architect,
Professor
Rafael
Moneo,
chose
a
circular
pattern
stone
floor
emanating
from
the
altar
and
reaching
to
the
far
corners
of
the
Cathedral,
it
is
appropriate
that
the
grace
and
the
power
of
the
sacrifice
upon
the
altar
be
seen
to
flow
down
and
throughout
the
Cathedral.
The
single
round
altar
pillar
fits
in
beautifully
with
the
theology
of
the
altar
and
the
design
of
Professor
Moneo.
Learn more about
ALTAR DEDICATION,
CARDINAL ROGER MAHONY, ALTAR
ANGELS, MARY LOUISE SNOWDEN,
PROFESSOR RAFAEL MONEO
