The tabernacle, used for the first time that day, had been crafted by an artisan in Gloucester.

In his homily, the cardinal spoke about altars, saying that they can serve as a means to bring people together. He recalled that as a young priest he helped prepare couples for marriage, and would speak to them about the importance of eating together around the dinner table as a family.

So, too, he added, do Catholics gather as a family around the altar.

"For us, as a family of believers, the altar is our family table, where we gather with our extended family with Christ, the head of the family. The Mass is banquet and sacrifice," Cardinal O'Malley said.

"We gather around this table as Jesus' disciples, struggling to lead that new commandment, to love one another, so that the world, seeing our love for each other, will feel an invitation to follow Christ and accept the Gospel," he continued.

During the Rite of Dedication, Cardinal O'Malley placed the relic into the bottom of the altar, which was subsequently sealed. Then the cardinal anointed the altar with chrism oil, before burning incense on it.

The altar was then covered with cloth and candles were lit next to it, preparing it for the celebration of the Eucharist.

The cardinal brought the Blessed Sacrament in procession to the new tabernacle for the first time as the Mass concluded.

Speaking to The Pilot following the Mass, parishioner Judy Finn said that it was "thrilling" to take part in the Mass.

"I was just very proud to be part of it. I love this church," she said, noting that she had grown up in the church and was married there.

"It was the most beautiful service, Mass, I've ever seen," she added.

Peter Cullen, a member of the St. Mary's pastoral council, echoed Finn's sentiments.

"This was a once in a lifetime experience," he said.

To have all the work that went into the renovations "come to a fruition today in this manner, it was just a wonderful, wonderful experience," he said.