A new, permanent altar replaces the “temporary” wooden altar that has been used for many years. The new altar was designed to replicate the marble design and themes found in the existing building. It is made primarily from Nero Portoro marble, which matches the marble used in the original high altar and reredos. The front and sides of the altar are decorated with gold mosaic panels featuring the tree of life design and a cross in the center panel. The altar now sits in the center, front area of the sanctuary, which is a natural focal point for the entire assembly. Accessibility to the sanctuary is provided by access ramps on either side of the sanctuary.

Altar Relics

During the years of the Roman persecution of the early Church, the faithful of Rome would gather in the catacombs to celebrate the Eucharist. The celebration was usually centered over the tomb of a martyr, in remembrance of their total gift of themselves for love of God and the Faith. This historical reality is what led to the custom of placing the relics of martyred saints, and eventually other saints also, into church altars. On the back side of the altar, in a small compartment under the mensa (top) of the altar, are placed the following relics: from the True Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; St. Isaac Jogues, priest and martyr; St. Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr; St. Charles Lwanga, lay catechist and martyr; St. George, soldier and martyr; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, married woman and religious; St. John Vianney, priest. The relics of the saints are first-class relics (taken from the body) as required by Church law.

These relics were offered for the Cathedral altar by Msgr. David Lantz, Rev. Christopher House and St. Agnes Parish, Springfield.

Reredos

Behind the altar is a beautiful mosaic, which is part of the reredos, or screen that rises behind the altar. The mosaic is a replica of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s The Immaculate Conception (c. 1680). The mosaic rests on a base made of Portoro marble, which was mined in Porto Venere, Italy. The mosaic is immediately bordered by a fiery gold floral motif and beyond that are twin Greek key borders. Above the mosaic are the words “macula non est in te (There is no sin in thee).”

Original High Altar

In front of the reredos is the original high altar, which is decorated with nine mosaic panels. Each panel is ornamented with a religious symbol.

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used to describe God’s omnipotence. It is taken from 1:8 Revelation 22:13: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” The Alpha and Omega are seen “coming through” Mary, which is symbolic of her role as God Bearer.

The mosaic uses a heraldry symbol to express a religious idea. In heraldry, a circle with wavy bars is known as a fountain and is used to represent bodies of water, such as springs. This symbol is used in the diocesan coat-of-arms to represent “Springfield.” In this case, it is also used to represent the Spring of Salvation, which is the source of spiritual life and salvation.

The Cross of Triumph, also known as the Cross of Victory, is composed of a Latin cross on top of a globe. It is usually recognized as a symbol of kingship, but in this case it signifies Christ’s victory over the world.

The fish is one of the oldest Christian symbols. In the early years when Christians were persecuted they used symbols, such as the fish, to identify themselves as believers. The Greek initials for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” spell out the Greek word for fish.

The Rose of the Messianic Promise, also known as the Christmas rose, is a sign of the Nativity. It comes from Isaiah 35:1: “… the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” The rose is also an ancient symbol used to represent Mary. It is taken from the Song of Solomon 2:1: “I am a rose of Sharon.”

The Star of the Epiphany represents the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus as represented by the three wise men. The star is also a common symbol for Mary. The Jewish form of her name, Miriam, means star. A single star can also be used to represent Mary’s virginity — she bore Christ without loss of her chastity as the star sends out its light at night without losing its force and brightness.

The letters “IHS” are taken from the name Jesus in Greek. The sunburst behind the letters refer to the Sun of Righteousness, which comes from the prophet Malachi who spoke of a time when the “sun of righteousness” shall “rise, with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2). It refers to the fact that both the sun and the Son bring life and light to the world.

Like the fish, the anchor was used by early Christians during periods of persecution to identify themselves as believers. Early Christians saw in the anchor an allegorical and disguised form of the Cross, as well as, a symbol of the Church as a ship. The anchor is also a symbol of hope.

Because of its life cycle, the butterfly is used to symbolize the resurrection and eternal life.