The altar top, or Mensa, is made of single piece of Botticino marble weighing 1,400 pounds. In the middle of the altar front is the figure of a pelican. Of old it was believed that, in time of need, the pelican fed its young on its own blood. For this reason, the pelican is an ancient symbol of the Holy Eucharist. The four pillars supporting the altar are also of Botticino marble and are crafted in an unusual interlacing fashion.