61. AMBO AND FONT

The ambo and font are made of matching fine white marble. Behind the font stands the Paschal candle, symbol of the Passover, and reminder of the Light of the World. On the wall behind are the holy oils.    PLAN

62. HOLY OILS

There are three kinds of sacred oils, all of which signify the work of the Holy Spirit and symbolize it. The three holy oils are: • The Oil of Catechumens used in Baptism along with water, in the consecration of churches, in the blessing of Altars, in the ordination of priests. • The Holy Chrism used in Confirmation, Baptism, in the consecration of a Bishop, the consecration of various items. • The Oil of the Sick, which is used in Unction.

63. CATHEDRA SETTING

The central chair (or throne) in this group is the Cathedra, set aside for the Bishop (or Archbishop) It is the presence of this chair in this Church which makes it a Cathedral.

64. CATHEDRA AND CREST

Each Bishop has his own coat of arms. The various symbols indicate the emphases of the Bishop’s ministry. Here we see the Southern Cross, representing Australia and Canberra as the seat of government, a symbol for Mary, and the Alpha-Omega symbol for Christ. The English words ‘Only Jesus’ send a strong message.

65. HIGH ALTAR

The High Altar is made of Sicilian marble and dedicated to Mother Dympna Finn, a Sister of the Good Samaritan Order. Stones from the Holy Land are set behind the altar where the celebrant stands.

66. ALTAR FOCUS

We come to worship ... Christ!

67. CRUCIFIX

Christ is the focal point of our worship. The fine hand-carved pear-wood crucifix was brought from Europe by Msgr Haydon. This completes our tour of St Christopher’s Cathedral. This completes our tour of St Christopher’s Cathedral.