41. TABERNACLE

This beautifully ornate tabernacle is used to hold the blessed Elements of the Eucharist. The ‘reserved Eucharist’ securely held in here is used for distribution at services, for use when bringing Holy Communion to the sick, and, in the Western Church, as a focal point for reflection, meditation and prayer.  ••• There is an historic plaque on the wall to the right.      INDEX

42. OUR LADY SHRINE

The New Testament describes Mary as a young virgin who was chosen by God to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. After giving birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, she raised him in the city of Nazareth in Galilee, and was in Jerusalem at his crucifixion and with the apostles after his ascension. Mary has been venerated since early Christianity, and is considered by millions to be the holiest and greatest saint. Mary is here seen to be standing on a cloud, an idea which appears to have originated in Ecuador and Peru.

43. EAST NAVE WINDOWS

We have already looked at these two Eastern windows (#20 and #33), but here they are seen in context.

44. SANCTUARY

We now look towards the sanctuary apse. The nave altar is in the foreground with monstrance and candles, and there is a retable at left. There are four stained glass windows, alternating with presiding angels. And behind the nave altar is the gold high altar with reredos behind. •• A monstrance is a vessel used in Roman Catholic churches for the display on an altar of some object of piety, such as the consecrated Eucharistic host during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

45. APSE CEILING

The apse ceiling is a work of art. The structure of the ceiling is marked out with brown lines, and there are various emblems including a floral ‘ihs’ figure (IHS = first letters of JESUS in Greek), and a curious dome figure with cross and chalice backlit by white emanating rays of light.   

46. NORTH APSE

The lower sanctuary wall is panelled with stained timber. We see here two of the worshipping angels: one blowing a trumpet, the other manipulating an incense burner. Further angels hover at the corners of the apse roof. There are two windows,but not close enough to accurately distinguish the features. Arches above the windows end in heads – a reminder of the exterior West wall.

47. SOUTH APSE

The South side of the sanctuary has similar features to the North bside.

48. HIGH ALTAR

Daniel Hurley served as priest in this Church 1926 –34, 1939–44, and 1955–63.  Hurley was responsible for commissioning the decorative reredos which still stands as a backdrop to the Church’s spectacular polished brass altar.

This completes our tour of St Patrick’s Church.