he Cathedra, behind the altar, is the official Chair of the Archbishop. It is an ancient symbol of the tradition and authority of the bishop in the life of the Church.

The chair represents his three main offices of teaching, sanctifying and governing.

A cathedral houses the official chair of the bishop or archbishop of the diocese. The word chair in Latin is cathedra, which explains the building's name. This chair, upholstered in red suede, has painted on its back the Archbishop's coat of arms.

Symbols important to Louisville and the Archdiocese on the coat of arms are:

• The fleur de lis, representing Louisville's French heritage
• A crozier or staff of a bishop
• A Star of David, an early symbol of Mary
• A stockade and water flowing downward for Fort Nelson and the Falls of the Ohio River
• Arrowheads representing the early native peoples in this area.

The president's chair to the right is similar in design to the archbishop's chair. From here the priest presides during the celebration of the Mass.

Bread consecrated in the Mass in Catholic belief becomes the real presence of the Body of Christ. It is reserved here, available between Masses to be taken to the sick or for the private devotion of those who come to pray.