Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 121
SS. Cabrini and Pope John Paul II in this sacramental
North aisle.
Jonathan Louth
SS Augustine & Thomas Becket
Archbishop Wilson also brought two seminary statues of
SS Augustine and Thomas of Canterbury, now set up at
the North portal on adapted pedestals. Their place here
carries two meanings: architecturally, two ‘empty’
pedestals from Craze’s post-war work have gained a purpose, the two bishops watching over the entrance from
the public realm; theologically, these two martyrs were
archdiocesan prelates of this place in pre-Reformation
times. They will have passed this site on their journeys
between Court and Kent.
ARCONSULTING
Across the floor of the Nave, along the devotional South
aisle, visitors can clearly view several statues depicting
Christ's crucifixion and Pietà, and many saints who have
not trodden the floor of the cathedral: SS Joseph, Patrick,
George, Peter, several English Martyrs, Romero and Anthony of Padua. These statues invite devotional prayer
and lead to the shrine chapel of Our Lady. Each of these
dedications speaks to each person as a human, as an individual, as a witness of humanity's purpose in the world
and our place in one of the Father’s heavenly mansions.
Reconstructed Community House following the fire of 1937
at The Friars Aylesford – development viability studies
In the third article, Jonathan Louth will continue his
record of shrines and relics making places of prayer with
the intent of conserving the spirituality of the church in
changing times. The article will describe two principal
devotions, which have been strengthened by shrines
during the past decade in the cathedral.
for the Carmelite Charitable Trust
Development Advice from an Architectural Perspective
Conservation and Consultancy for the Built Environment
www.jonathanlouth.co.uk
6. Archbishop John Wilson in 2022
7. John ch.21 v.7
8. The prayer desk can be moved when furnishing the transept
with chairs for large congregations.
9. Designed in 1839, the church opened in 1848, then raised
to cathedral status in 1850
10. a faux-cornice disguises the 1958 window sill each side of
the reredos
11. Auxiliary bishop from 1949, Cyril Cowderoy was Archbishop from 1965 to 1976
12. Peter Smith led the Archdiocese between 2009 and 2019
13. Luke ch.13 v.2
14. Canon John O’Toole was Cathedral Dean between 2011
and 2015
15. Canon Richard Hearn was Cathedral Dean between 2015
and his untimely death in 2021
16. following changes of Cathedral clergy and the budget constraints of Coronavirus pandemic
17. The icon and nameboards, installed by Simon Kidd joinery,
were dedicated by the Papal Nuncio on 4th July 2023 for the
175th anniversary of the church
18. Cathedral is indebted to Peter Ellis and colleagues at Rose
of Jericho for their analysis and matching work for internal and
external mortars and renders from 2005 through till 2023
19. Peter Amigo, Archbishop ‘ad personam’, led the Southwark
RC diocese from 1904 to 1949
20. Ground Penetrating Radar Survey
Roll call of constructors
Cliveden Conservation, monumental masons
Universal Stone, masonry portals
PAYE Stonework, stone linings
Simon Kidd Joinery, nameboards and faux-mouldings
Philip Surey, lettering
Hugh Wedderburn, wood carving
Danuta Solowiej, polychromy
Keith Bodimeade, gilding
Rose of Jericho, lime plasters
AW Gowers, oak doorleafs
Trent Shopfitters, timber shrines, glass doors
Steel Options, specialist metalwork
Hot Metal, structural metalwork
Amtrexx Security, access and protection
Geze, door opening gear
References
1. John ch.14 v.2
2. Canon James Cronin was Cathedral Dean between 1996 and
2011
3. The Equilibrium between Conservation and Spirituality was
the theme of the 2023 European Cathedrals Conference held
in Malta and Pisa
4. In collaboration with his brothers, the artist James and the
calligrapher Gabriel
5. Kevin McDonald was archbishop between 2003 and 2009
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