To the South of the narthex is a short link to the old baptistry. The baptismal font is now found in the South transept, and the baptistry has become a chapel centred on the crucified Christ. The cross bears the familiar ‘I.N.R.I’ sign: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. PLAN
11B. CHAPEL WINDOWS
The chapel has three stained glass windows showing (from left) Jesus being baptized by John, a rather ornate Madonna and Child with the mysterious inscription ‘Regina Poloniae Ora Pro Nobis’ (Queen of Poland Pray for Us), and a scene of a bishop blessing the King and Queen of Poland (the shield is the coat of arms of Poland). There must be a story here!
12B. NAVE II
Central is the high altar, the reredos, and a scene at the crucifixion of Christ – a rood Cross. Architect Peter Gannon observed ‘the design of the interior of the cathedral is pleasing, and the composition happy. Worshippers entering the cathedral should feel that they are entering not only a church but a sanctuary’.
12C. NAVE ROOF
Overhead are the soaring arches of the roof, and the dome above the sanctuary.
13A. NAVE NORTH BANNERS
Attached to the side columns of the nave are large colourful banners. Each carries the image of a crowd of people representing the nations of the world, and many picture an ecclesiastical figure. Each banner carries a motto: examples are ‘Love, justice, truth’, ‘Meet all with peace and ease’, ‘To praise, to bless, ... ’, ‘Be calm and full of hope’ (Mary MacKillop).
13B. NAVE SOUTH BANNERS
Each banner also bears an ecclesiastical symbol which probably relates to the illustrated figure who in turn is the likely source of the motto. Thus for example, the banner with Mary MacKillop has emblems of the Josephite Order to which she belonged.
14A. NAVE SOUTH WALL
One of the special attractions of Sacred Heart Cathedral is the set of beautifully executed Stations of the Cross.
14B. SOUTH WALL STATIONS
As a sample here we show Station VIII : Jesus speaks to the daughters of Jerusalem, and Station IX : Jesus falls the third time. Around the outer walls of the nave are candle holders, each accompanied by a red cross. Close up photos of all the Cathedral Stations of the Cross can be viewed at http://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/page8220/Stations-of-theCross.aspx .
14C. SOUTH WALL CROSS
Around the walls are various consecration crosses, marking places where the Cathedral was initially blessed.
15B. TRANSEPT WEST BANNER
Of more immediate interest to us is a banner (out of sight in #15A) on the West wall of the transept. This carries the name of the Cathedral, and shows a mosaic depiction of Christ and the Sacred Heart.
15C. SOUTH TRANSEPT WINDOW
Also of interest is the round window. This 12-fold window surrounded by cherubim, appears to show the crowning of Mary by God – Father (right), Son (left) and Holy Spirit (dove at top).
16A. SOUTH TRANSEPT FONT
Along the East wall of the South transept are three items of interest. At centre is the baptismal font, along with the Paschal candle. These carry the ideas of the washing away of sin, and showing forth God’s light.
16B. ST LIGUORI
At right is a statue of Cardinal Alphonsus Liguori, 1696 – 1787. He was a Neapolitan who founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer to work among the poor. He was a prolific writer, publishing nine editions of his Moral Theology.
16C. ST JOSEPH
Then at left is the statue of Joseph carrying his lily. An old legend told of how Jesus would be born to the family of the man whose rod (favourite walking stick) bloomed, and it turned out to be Joseph. .
17A. EAST WALL
The sanctuary area is an uncluttered restful focus for the Cathedral. At centre is the forward altar, and behind this the high altar, and reredos with its six candlesticks.
17C. CENTRAL LIGHT
And above is the somewhat startling large and beautifully made golden electrolier, or light fitting, providing the necessary illumination. This was crafted in Australia.
18A. ALTAR
In line with Vatican II, the altar in this Cathedral is placed so that the officiating priest can face the congregation.