Consecration - Definition and Overview

To consecrate an inaminate object is to dedicate it in a ritual to a special purpose, usually religious. For example, a church building or an altar may be consecrated to the purpose of religious worship, or a chalice may be consecrated to the purpose of containing the eucharistic elements (bread or wine). In particular, a priest who effects the miraculous transubstantiation is said to be consecrating the bread and wine.

Ordination of a bishop is also called consecration.