The main altar, centrally located in the sanctuary, is where the Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. Here, ordinary bread and wine, following the words of consecration spoken by the priest, are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The Holy Eucharist is then distributed to the people in Holy Communion. In this profound sacrifice and expression of God’s love, our souls are nourished with God’s grace. Artistically fashioned in the same blue Carrara marble which is found throughout the sanctuary, the eye is drawn to the traditional Chi Rho symbol of Our Lord. This image is created from the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ “Christos,” or ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ. Relics may be placed within the altar to recall early Church worship services. Persecuted Christians, who met secretly in catacombs, would use the tombs of martyrs as altars. The newly consecrated Cathedral altar houses the relics of Saints Thomas More, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.