The sanctuary, from the Latin word for ‘holy place’, sanctus, is the most important part of the church, where the Mass – the central act of worship in the Catholic faith – is celebrated. The sanctuary pavement is defined by two intersecting pathways of light green and white marble in a herringbone pattern. The moveable choir stalls are a later addition and are used for singing the Divine Office in church. The marble balustrade at the entrance to the sanctuary serves to demarcate it from the nave and to provide a convenient place for members of the congregation to kneel when receiving Holy Communion.

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