On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the new altar in the Chapel of St. Anne in Gdańsk was consecrated, marking a significant event for the local community of believers.
The consecration took place during Mass at noon, presided over by the Most Reverend Tadeusz WOJDA, SAC, Archbishop of Gdańsk, Poland, who also gave the homily.
The Mass was full of meaningful and beautiful liturgical symbols that gave special emphasis to the spiritual dimension of the celebration. The faithful who gathered in the historic chapel were able to experience the rare Rite of Consecration of an altar. The altar is a central element in every Catholic church. Special symbolic moments included anointing the altar with holy oil, incensing the altar and illuminating it, which expressed the dedication of the altar to God as a place for the celebration of the Eucharist.
In his homily, Archbishop WOJDA stressed the importance of the altar in the life of the Church, calling it “the heart of the temple” and “the table of Christ’s sacrifice and banquet.” He explained that the consecration of the altar, in a special way, recalls the mystery of God’s presence among his people. He encouraged those present to make this altar a place of prayer, a place of encounter with Christ and a place of growth in faith.
The ceremony was attended by the faithful, members of various religious communities, priests and consecrated persons. Beautiful music was provided as well, which fostered an atmosphere of recollection and prayer.
The consecration of the altar in the Chapel of St. Anne was a spiritually enriching event that will remain in the memories of the participants for a long time. For many, it also served as an occasion for personal reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist and the importance of liturgy in the life of the Church.
The altar was designed by Friar Tomasz JANK, OFM Conv., who served for many years as the Rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Gdańsk.
Maja STUDZIŃSKA
