Handling the holy

From used palm fronds to saints' bones, faiths vary on how to treat sacred objects

By Christie Storm (Contact)

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Using consecrated oil, Monsignor J. Gaston Hebert anointed the altar of St. Mary’s Chapel at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, creating a new sacred space. Carefully holding back the sleeve of his white robe, he rubbed the oil over the entire surface until it gleamed in the sunlight.

“We do this because Christ is the altar. He is the anointed one,” Hebert told the crowd gathered for the Rite of Dedication, or the blessing of the new chapel as a sacred space.

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This article was published Saturday, March 8, 2008.

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