41. CRUCIFIX

An unusual gold crucifix stands on the High Altar. The ends of the arms of the cross are bejewelled golden squares.    PLAN

42. SANCTUARY SCREENS AND FLAMES

On either side of the High Altar is a rimu screen designed by the architect, Brian Elliot, with fabric panels designed by Elizabeth Auton. The designs were influenced by Isaiah 55:12, and incorporate elements of the Diocese. The Pentecost flames are etched in glass and lit from the base. [9, 12]

43. BAPTISMAL FONT AND HOLY WATER STOUP

The Font and Stoups are created in the same minimal style as the central altar. The Font bowl was crafted by Joan McIntosh with symbols taken from the catacombs of Rome. The Cathedral also contains an immersion pool which is generally hidden from view. [8, but not placed as in the Plan]

44. HOLY OILS

On the wall behind the font is a cupboard containing the Holy Oils (olea sacra). There are three kinds: oil of catechumens, holy chrism, and oil of the sick. The first and third are pure olive oil. Chrism has in the oil a mixture of balm or balsam.   

45. LADY CHAPEL

Just along from the Font is the Lady Chapel. The central feature of the Chapel is the Madonna and Child, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and commissioned by the late Professor and Mrs Harrison. It is carved from a solid block of kauri by John Feldberg of Rongotea. [3]

46. CANDLES

This tray of candles stands near the entry to the Lady Chapel. Many Christians find lighting a candle to be a helpful action while praying – the rising flame symbolizing the rising prayer.

47. LADY CHAPEL WINDOWS

These windows were given in memory of Dean Carew and Deceased Priests of the Marist Order, Rev Mathias MacManus, Francis and Mary MacManus; and the Parents of Bishop Owen Dolan.

48. BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL

Across the Cathedral from the Lady Chapel is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Apart from seating, this Chapel is bare, except that it faces onto a glass walled arch with a marble Tabernacle at its centre, with Cross above. The Tabernacale has brass (devotional) doors on the Chapel side and wooden (service) doors on the outside. [13]

49. SANCTUARY LAMP

The sanctuary lamp was designed by the architect. It symbolizes a lighthouse, and the brass stem and rays signal the place of the Tabernacle. [13]

50. DAY CHAPEL

Directly behind the Sanctuary is the Day Chapel – an ideal space for smaller gatherings. It has simple furnishing, including an altar with the same design as the central altar in the Cathedral.

51. ROSE WINDOW

The Rose Window high in the East Wall above the Day Chapel was crafted in Belgium. It is clearly visible from the body of the Cathedral.

52. STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Around three walls of the Day Chapel are the 14 stations of the cross. The brass plaques were brought from Rome, and the marble used for the mounts was taken from the original altar rails.

53. DAY CHAPEL SOUTH WINDOW

On the South side of the Day Cahpel is a stained glass window depicting the Nativity. The Holy Family is at centre with the shepherds at left and the magi at right.

54. DAY CHAPEL WINDOWS

The remaining Day Chapel windows are particularly beautiful The windows on the left show Christ The King. Those on the right, Mary as Queen of Heaven. This completes our tour of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, but there is a little more ...

55. FIRST ST PATRICK’S CHURCH

The first St Patrick’s Church was built in Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) in 1877. It was blessed by Bishop Redwood in 1878 and served as a church and school until 1889. [Photo Credit: VUW, ‘Old Manawatu’]

56. SECOND ST PATRICK’S CHURCH

During 1890 the second St Patrick’s Church was blessed and opened on the same site by Archbishop Redwood. Father P. Costello made moves before his sudden death to have another bigger church built, but this was left to his successor, Father James McManus, to achieve. [Photo Credit: VUW, ‘Cyclopedia of New Zealand’]