Dedication of the Sanctuary

 "I rejoiced when they said to me, 'Let us go up to the house of the Lord.'" ~ Psalm 122

After a long renovation process, the sanctuary of the Cathedral finally reached a point where the Bishop could dedicate the sanctuary and consecrate the altars. We have been waiting for this day and were delighted to be able to celebrate such a wonderful liturgy on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.

​The sanctuary readied for the
Rite of Dedication.


In the months leading up to the
completion of the sanctuary, our Bishop made the sanctuary gates and the large cross for the high altar crucifix. He also lined the tabernacle with acacia wood,
the same wood that was used to
​build the Ark of the Covenant.

The Bishop, Bishop Emeritus, clergy and servers enter the sanctuary for the Mass of Dedication

​
After the Asperges, the readings and homily, the clergy and congregation kneel to chant the Litany of the Saints. The litany invokes in a special way the saints whose relics will be placed in the altars.

The relics of the saints resting on a red cushion by the
​ Bishop Emeritus, waiting to be sepulchered in the altars.

The saints in the main altar are Sts. Victoris and Reparatae, while the saints in the high altar are Sts. Fortunatis and Paulina.

St. Victoris was a soldier martyred for the faith. His feast is celebrated on July 21st.

St. Reparatae is a Virgin martyr from Palestine who was tortured and martyred at the age of 11.

St. Fortunatis was martyred during the reign of Diocletian in the year 303AD.

St. Paulina, known as Mother Paulina of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, died July 9, 1942.
She is considered to be a Patroness of those
​who suffer from diabetes.

The Deacon of the Relics, assisted by the Master of Ceremonies, places the relics in the High Altar.

After the relics are placed in the altar, the Bishop anoints the mensa. The Bishop pours the sacred chrism on the middle of the altar and on each of its four corners before anointing the entire mensa. The anointing with chrism makes the altar a symbol of Christ, who is "The Anointed One".

​The Bishop incenses the newly
anointed altars. Incense is first burned on the altars to signify that Christ's sacrifice, perpetuated on the altar in mystery, ascends to God as an odor of sweetness.
The incense also signifies the prayers of the people rising up to the throne of God as pleasing offering.

The altars are clothed with the sacred linens and prepared for the lighting of the altars.

"Light of Christ, shine forth in the Church and bring all peoples to the fullness of truth."

The deacon offers the candle blessed by the Bishop to the servers to light the altars.

​​


Christ is the light to enlighten all nations. His brightness shines out in the Church and through it to the whole human family.

The Holy Sacrifice is offered on the newly consecrated altar
​ and Our Lord is placed in the tabernacle for the first time.

Receiving Communion at the rail for the first time.
​

"God is in his holy dwelling place;
the God who causes us to dwell together,
one at heart, in his house; he himself will
​give power and strength to his people."
Communion Antiphon

Additional pictures here