Three objects play such an important role in the Mass that they have been given permanent places in the church building. The altar has a central position in the church and is the symbol of Jesus, the ‘living stone’ on which the Church is built (I Pet. 2:4).
The ambo or lectern is the place where we read from the Bible, the Word of God. The chair of the celebrant (usually a priest) is also given a special place. During the liturgy, the celebrant represents God to the people, and represents the people to God. Outside the Mass, the most important place is reserved for the tabernacle, the beautiful vault where the “bread”, the Hosts which are the Body of Jesus, is preserved.
