Q: In our convent, there was a beautiful stone altar that was removed from its base some years ago and the top slab of marble was kept in our convent with the relic removed. A simple wooden altar replaced it, and I don’t know what happened to the original base for the stone altar. I had a new base made for the original altar which should be done very soon, and then we are going to put the original altar back into the chapel on the new base. I am looking for a relic to put into the altar (it has a convenient pocket with a removable cover for the relic).
When we install the new altar, do we need to have the altar consecrated or rededicated? It has been significantly changed and will have a new relic in it.
Thank you so much for your help!
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A: A relic is not required. If one is obtained, it goes at the BASE of the altar and no longer in the mensa on top. An altar in a chapel would more likely be dedicated, rather than consecrated. Since yours was already in use, it’s probably not necessary. I have a chapter on this in my book New Church, New Altar. You may consult the bishop’s office in your diocese for more precise direction.