The new altar

This altar, consecrated on 17 June 2018 by Archbishop Aubertin, is made from a single block of marble-like limestone from the quarries of Chamesson (near Massangis, in Burgundy). Weighing 2,800 kg even though it is hollowed out, it was cut and installed by the firm Pierre Billon Centre, of La Roche-Clermault.

It is engraved with a damask pattern of eight-petalled Gothic roses, a motif the architects spotted in various places in the cathedral, notably on the towers.

Made by sandblasting, using a method close to stencilling, this damask is delicate work that was entrusted to Ms Alicia Drouillet, engraver and sculptor in Nazelles-Négron.
Attentive observers will see, in the middle of this damask, a Latin cross drawn in an almost subliminal way

Finally, the altar table is made of a folded plate of solid brass, 5 mm thick, engraved, as is customary, with the five consecration crosses symbolising the five wounds of Christ. This work was carried out by Ets Jourdain, of La Riche.