Bishop Parkes Dedicates a New Altar at Our Lady of Grace Parish
The congregation of over 300 sat silently as Bishop Gregory Parkes poured sacred Chrism over the center of the altar and each of the four corners. He then proceeded to move his right hand across the entire surface of the altar to ensure the Chrism was evenly applied. This anointing with Chrism makes the altar a symbol of Christ, who is called The Anointed One.
The congregation of over 300 sat silently as Bishop Gregory Parkes poured sacred Chrism over the center of the altar and each of the four corners. He then proceeded to move his right hand across the entire surface of the altar to ensure the Chrism was evenly applied. This anointing with Chrism makes the altar a symbol of Christ, who is called The Anointed One.
This beautiful ritual took place on October 20, 2024, at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Beverly Hills (Citrus County, FL) during a Mass to dedicate their newly built altar.
“May the Lord by his power sanctify this altar, which by our ministry we anoint, so that, as a visible sign, it may express the mystery of Christ, who offered himself to the Father for the life of the world,” said Bishop Parkes right before the anointing.
The dedication and consecration of the new altar coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the parish.
“It was very moving,” said Father Erwin Belgica, pastor. “The people were in awe looking at the blessing of the altar.”
After the anointing, two parishioners came forward to the sanctuary to cover the altar with a cloth. This was followed by the preparation of the gifts for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Pat D’Souza, Liturgy Coordinator for the parish, was honored with the role of helping to “dress” the altar.
“This new altar means everything to our parish. The sacrifice of the Mass takes place at the altar which changes the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Every time we are around that altar, Christ is present with us,” said D’Souza.
