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King Richard’s Remembers Historic Altar Consecrated by Pope Francis
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Contact: Rick Lair, King Richard’s Phone: 678-393-6500
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kingrichards.com
King Richard’s Remembers Historic Altar Consecrated by Pope Francis
King Richard’s designed and installed the only known altar to be personally consecrated by the Holy Father, a milestone marking a once-in-a-lifetime honor in sacred artistry and Catholic tradition.
ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 5, 2025 – In light of the recent passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, King Richard’s Liturgical Design humbly reflects on a moment of deep significance in the company’s history — the creation and installation of the altar at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary in Panama, personally consecrated by the Holy Father during his apostolic visit for World Youth Day six years ago.
The consecration of the altar occurred on January 26, 2019 during a Papal Mass attended by thousands of pilgrims from around the world who gathered to witness the consecration. This event was part of his apostolic journey to Panama for the 34th World Youth Day. During the Mass, Pope Francis consecrated the newly installed King Richard’s altar, which included relics of saints such as Óscar Romero, Rosa of Lima, Martin de Porres and John Paul II. The mass was broadcasted globally and stands as a permanent legacy of the Holy Father’s visit.
King Richard’s was selected for this project based on its unmatched expertise in liturgical design, historic restoration, and ecclesiastical artistry. The company designed, fabricated and installed multiple liturgical furnishings at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary in Panama, including a custom Ambo featuring the Four Evangelists, a matching lectern and a new Marian Shrine — all hand-crafted from Italian marble and tailored to complement the historic architecture of the oldest Cathedral in the Americas. The Marian Shrine, inspired by the
Cathedral in Seville, was selected from ten proposed designs and personally blessed and dedicated by Pope Francis during World Youth Day.
The altar from King Richard’s remains as the only known altar Pope Francis ever consecrated, making it not only a profound spiritual moment for the Church, but a lasting testament to the Pope’s legacy of unity, humility and reverence for sacred space.
King Richard’s remembers this moment with gratitude and reverence, as a tribute to Pope Francis’ enduring faith and the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of millions. The founder and team of King Richard’s were honored to be present — not only as artisans, but as witnesses to history.
“Having the Holy Father bless and dedicate our work in Panama is something we will carry forever. It was a sacred responsibility and one of the highest honors of our decades in service to the Church,” said CEO & Founder Rick Lair.
The altar embodies centuries of sacred tradition while incorporating unique symbolic elements requested by the Diocese and Vatican liturgical advisors, ensuring accuracy and reverence in every design element. It combines Romanesque inspiration with modern craftsmanship. Hand-carved detailing, gilded accents and a relic chamber for veneration create a sacred focal point that honors tradition while serving the needs of a vibrant, contemporary congregation.
About King Richard’s Liturgical Design
King Richard’s is a leader in liturgical design, custom craftsmanship and historic church restoration—specializing in preserving tradition while crafting sacred spaces that inspire reverence and beauty. The company has been actively engaged in the specialty religious business for decades and has grown into a full-service, turn-key provider for large scale new construction projects and renovations. Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, King Richard’s has successfully completed projects for churches, seminaries, hospitals, schools, diocesan facilities, convents, funeral homes, cemeteries and private chapels globally.
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