Vigil Mass
Blessing of Ambo and Presiders Chair
Carrigtwohill
12th Sunday A
20 June 2026
My friends,
To consecrate a person, an object or a building is to invest it with a sacred character. It is an intentional expression to dedicate the person, the object or building as a pathway to God, as a conduit to the divine dimension of life.
All of these things are visible to the human eye but while being fruit or product of the earth and the work of our hands, enlightened by our imagination they become instruments for us of God and his mysteries.
Our gathering in faith this evening in this house of prayer dedicated to Our Lady draws us intuitively into this human/divine spiritual dynamic whereby so-called ordinary things take on a new meaning for us by virtue of prayer of blessing and dedication.
So, the chair reserved for the Presider is designed and dedicated to visually reflect his role and responsibility. No less the Ambo – is no ordinary stand of convenience to hold a text before the reader of the Word. Rather it is purposefully designed and placed in the Sanctuary to convey our respect for the Word, for those who proclaim it and the preacher whose task is to break it open for the hearers.
The Cross is the universal symbol of our faith in Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour. The Cross, however small, decrepit, large and magnificent is eloquent beyond words in conveying the mystery of Emmanuel “God with us” Deus incarnatus est.
My friends, this house of prayer has a wonderful history which reflects the faith story of the people here in Carrigtwohill, a story in which the Sisters of Poor Servants of the Mother of God have been a huge part and whose legacy is still nurturing faith and Christian living in a new century.
Changing culture brings new challenges for those who are entrusted with faith leadership. Still, across the long experience of Christian communities some basic elements remain constant – prayer, sharing of life and witness. “Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in their midst.”
The presence of Christ is first in our hearts and minds, our shared faith in prayer and in life is our witness to the world of our treasure within. Of its nature that light and truth have to be shared, it must find ways to radiate and bring light to others.
Consecrating, asking God’s blessing on the Chair of the celebrant and presider, on the Ambo and on this particular image of the Cross is this faith communities’ reanimation of that missionary impetus that we speak of as evangelisation. It expresses your wish and prayer that the good news of salvation won for us in the Paschal Mystery may find a welcome home in the hearts of our sisters and brothers. So, while this building, this sacred space stands as an eloquent witness of the faith of past generations, it stands silent without an active community of faith, it is people of faith, purpose and outreach that breathes Life into this temple of God in your midst. And by God’s grace you are doing so.
The Word of God proclaimed from the Ambo, can we know, be akin to a double-edged sword. It can pierce the heart with its demand. Both the Word from Jeremiah and the gospel of Matthew leave us in no doubt about the potential cost of discipleship. Naming the truth and standing for justice and respect comes with a price. Still, Jesus asks us not to be afraid of bullies.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
But cannot kill the soul;
Fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell.”
Let us be in no doubt that while our baptismal call to live and walk by Christ, he by us, is an extraordinary gift and privilege – gracing our life with goodness, truth and beauty, many do not share that faith, and some resent its goodness.
It is all the more important that we cherish Jesus’ words.
“I’ve told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the World." (John 16:33)
