 A History Of The Mass And Its Ceremonies In The Eastern And Western Church -Rev John O'Brien A.M.CHAPTER IX
THE ALTARACCORDING to the best authorities the word altar is formed from the Latin altus, high, and ara, a mound or elevation. It is the sacred table upon which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. According to rule it ought to be about three and a half feet high, three feet wide, and six and a half feet long; and to denote the perfection of our Lord, whom it is made to represent in sacred symbolism, it should be solid throughout (Bouvry, ii. 223). Before Mass may be celebrated on it, it must first be consecrated by the bishop. | 
Support Site Improvements