The autel de l’église, or church altar, stands as the most sacred element within a Catholic church. More than just a table, it represents the point of connection between God and humanity. It is upon this consecrated surface that the priest celebrates the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Christ. This central role makes understanding the history, symbolism, and significance of the altar essential to appreciating the richness of Catholic tradition.
© Sebastien Desarmaux / Godong – A modern church altar, centrally located for visibility by the congregation.
Long before the advent of Christianity, sacred tables, known as altars, served as focal points for religious rites. These altars were used for sacrifices and offerings, often food, presented to honor deities. This practice transitioned from private homes to public spaces in antiquity, foreshadowing the central role of the altar in later religious traditions.
The word “altar” derives from the Latin “altus,” meaning “high” or “elevated.” This etymology reflects the belief in ascending towards God and heaven. Historically, mountains and hills were favored places of worship due to their perceived proximity to the divine. Symbolically, the altar is considered the highest point within a church, linking the earthly realm with the heavenly. By placing offerings on the altar, they are symbolically brought closer to God, transitioning from the profane to the sacred. For Christians, a church without an altar is a church without a soul; it is the cornerstone of the building, just as Christ is the cornerstone of the Church.
Pascal Deloche – Godong – An ornate altar in Rocamadour, France, highlighting the historical significance of altars in Catholic tradition.
In early Christianity, altars were mobile, allowing for flexibility in worship. However, by the 4th century, they assumed a fixed and prominent position. In Catholic churches, the main altar, known as the high altar, is centrally located in the sanctuary, the area reserved for the clergy.
The altar’s placement has evolved over time. Initially positioned at the back of the sanctuary, often against the wall, particularly when Mass was celebrated with the priest facing away from the congregation (ad orientem), it is now commonly situated in the center of the sanctuary, allowing for greater visibility and participation by the faithful.
Regardless of its specific location, the altar’s central position emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist in Catholic worship. Larger churches may have secondary altars in side chapels, but the main altar remains the primary focal point.
© Sebastien Desarmaux / Godong – The altar in Sainte-Cécile Cathedral in Albi, France, demonstrating the grandeur and artistry often associated with church altars.
To be worthy of the celebration of the Eucharist, an altar must be consecrated and traditionally made of a single large stone. During the consecration ceremony, the priest anoints the altar with chrism, a holy oil blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday, signifying its sacred purpose. Five crosses are also inscribed on the altar, one in the center and one at each corner, symbolizing the five wounds of Christ.
Altars are typically adorned with linens, incense, and candles to further emphasize their sacredness. During Mass, the priest kisses the altar as a sign of reverence.
While sometimes constructed from wood, altars are generally made of stone or other noble materials. Often, relics of saints are placed within or beneath the altar, symbolizing their spiritual presence and intercession between God and humanity. These relics connect the living with those who have passed into eternal life.
