As part of this, they have also restored the use of the original high altar, which is once again the primary and central altar of the church.
St. Mary's Sanctuary, Easter 2009
St. Mary's Sanctuary Today
(As an aside, it is very good to see the altar also fully vested with antependia.)
The altar and the direction of liturgical prayer ought to be a matter of particular consideration and attention given how profoundly it can influence our focus and emphasize our orientation within the sacred liturgy -- for clergy and faithful alike.
Fr. Martin Lawrence, the pastor of St. Mary's, is certainly to be congratulated for his vision in this regard, and for highlighting that, with a considered and strategic approach, this is most certainly achievable.
[If you are a priest and have done the same, or are taking tangible steps in this direction, we want to hear from you.]
