Also in the North transept is this little gold bell. I expect this bell is still rung during services today. PLAN
42. HOLY FAMILY CHAPEL
There are two chapels East off the North transept: the St Peter Chanel Chapel and this small Holy Family Chapel. It contains a large icon and a paschal candle. [18]
43. HOLY FAMILY ICON
This icon depicting the Holy Family was made by Michael Pervan, Auckland 2006. [18]
44. CANDLES
The flame of the paschal candle symbolizes the eternal presence of Christ. It is lit at Easter to symbolize Christ’s coming into the world. Candles are also often used when praying: ‘let my prayers rise up like incense’ (Psalm 141:2).
46. PULPIT
The pulpit dates from c1938, and was restored to its former position in 2007 after its earlier removal in the 1980s.
47. WEST WALL OF SOUTH TRANSEPT
On this wall we observe there are a number of historic plaques, and a stained glass window. The Exit door leads out through a very practical covered porch.
48. TRANSEPT WINDOW
The window shows St Columba and St Peter Chanel. Each figure is associated with a text. St Columba: ‘Be a bright star before me, O God. A guiding star above me.’ St Peter Chanel: ‘To love Mary and bring others to love her.’
49. VARIOUS PLAQUES
In cyclic order from top left, these tablets remember Kate Sheehan, Father Walter McDonald, Bishop John Luck, Polish prisoners of war, and Bishop Lenihan. Another tablet (unshown) acknowledges the burial of five Sisters of Mercy on the Cathedral site.
50. TWO PLAQUES
To the right of the South door is this brass plaque in memory of Croation pioneers and their descendents. The Scripture verse from Gal 6:14 is placed above the door.
51. CRUCIFIXION SCENE
The Calvary scene by G. H. Parentani of Bruxelles was gifted by the Croation community for the opening of the new transepts in 1907.
52. TO THE LADY CHAPEL
As we turn our gaze in the South transept we see the Lady Chapel and a statue of the Virgin Mary on the wall. [25, 26]
54. POPE JOHN PAUL II
The bronze bust is that of Pope John Paul II. It was donated by artist Toni Cross de Chavanes in 2011. The life and contributions of John Paul II were widely acclaimed, and he was canonised in 2014. [25a]
55. OUR LADY ICON
The icon is by Michael Pervan, 2006. It is based on a 9th century icon of Our Lady gifted to Bishop Pompallier. [25]
57. BAPTISMAL POOL
This baptismal pool was carved of Alicante marble by Michael Pervan, 2007. There is a nice inference that the water flows out to join the water channel outside the Cathedral. [44]
58. CROSSING ROOF
The simple timber roof of the Cathedral is attractive and functional.
59. ALTAR
The table of the Eucharist is carved of white Carrera and red Alicante marble by Michael Pervan, 2007. There are carved symbols of the seven sacraments on the altar. [43] I visited more than once!
60. CATHEDRA
The Bishop’s chair was a gift to Bishop Pompallier in the 1850s. The church that holds the cathedra is the cathedral church of a diocese. [47]