The Sanctuary is at the heart of the Cathedral, and contains its most important features: the altar, used for the celebration of Mass; the ambo (or pulpit), from where the Word of God is read; the cathedra (or bishop's throne), which symbolises the bishop's authority over his diocese.
The current Sanctuary dates from the 1995 re-ordering of the Cathedral by architect Francis B. Roberts. Above the altar, a corona lucis (crown of light) is suspended, drawing attention to the centrality of the altar in the Church's liturgical life.