62. CHOIR ORGAN
The choir organ was made by the Hafner Brothers in 1976 –1980.
63. MEMORIAL AND CATHEDRA
On the South side of the sanctuary stands the cathedra. On the wall behind is another memorial.
64. CATHEDRA
The cathedra is the Bishop’s throne: its presence signifies that this is in fact a cathedral. In cathedrals, the cathedra crest often belongs to the current Bishop.
65. SOUTH SANCTUARY
Just back from the cathedra is a curious elevated viewing room.
66. ALTAR AND HIGH ALTAR
After Vatican II in the early 1960s, the nave altar was introduced, and it is from here that the Eucharist is administered. The former high altar is now generally used only for special occasions.
67. CENTRAL ALTAR
The central altar (nave altar) was created by Josef Henselmann in 1961 in response to the directive of Vatican II.
68. HIGH ALTAR
The high altar is flanked by the saints Valentine (at right) and Maximilian (left). Presumably the central feature is the tabernacle, but it is not possible to approach closely.
69. STONING OF STEPHEN
Above the high altar stands this focal point: a sculpture of the stoning of St Stephen. It is the work of Josef Henselmann, one of the outstanding Bavarian sculptors of the 20th century. This completes our tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral. If you want to leave now, click here. Otherwise, continue to visit the treasury / museum.
M2. ST NEPOMUK WELCOME
John of Nepomuk (c. 1345 – 1393) is a national saint of Bohemia, who was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of Wenceslaus, King of the Romans and King of Bohemia. Later accounts state that he was the confessor of the queen of Bohemia and refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional. On the basis of this account, John of Nepomuk is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, and, because of the manner of his death, a protector from floods and drowning.
M3. ST SEVERINUS
The mysterious high-born Severinus is first recorded as travelling along the Danube in Noricum and Bavaria, sleeping on sackcloth and fasting severely. He preached Christianity, procured supplies for the starving, redeemed captives and established monasteries at Passau and Favianae, and hospices in the chaotic territories that were ravaged by the Great Migrations.
M4. PAINTINGS
The Passau Museum contains many fine exhibits and treasures. Each exhibit is labelled in the Museum, but there is little information available on line. Any information would be appreciated!
M5. PAINTINGS ROOM
This view completes the over-view of the paintings room in the Museum.
M6. FOUR WORKS OF ART
These four colourful art works are executed in bas-relief. At left is the Annunciation, with the angel appearing to Mary. Next, Mary consults with her cousin Elizabeth. The subjects of the two right frames are less clear.
M7. GROUP PICTURE
The detail in these bas-relief works is delightful, but what is being portrayed?
M8. TWO GOLDEN LADIES
Some detective work required! Two golden ladies with crowns. The one at left holds a chalice embedded in a small castle tower. At the feet of the other is a spinning wheel? a rocker?
M9. TWO PEASANT CHARACTERS
Again, in brilliant colour, two rough looking characters, each bearing a staff. The figure at left carries a rope, the figure at right an open book.
M10. TWO CAMEOS
Two cameos show a missionary to Africa? – probably a saint, receiving his heavenly reward.
M11. CORONATION OF MARY
Queen of Heaven is a title that was given to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Christians mainly of the Roman Catholic Church, and also, to some extent, in Eastern Orthodoxy. The title is a consequence of the First Council of Ephesus in the fifth century, in which the Virgin Mary was proclaimed ‘theotokos’ a title rendered in Latin as Mater Dei, in English ‘Mother of God’.