Tour of St Peter and All Souls 2008



 

The Sanctuary completed in 2006.

The new altar was dedicated by Bishop Michael in February 2006

This is the focal point in the church from where the liturgy is led. The altar always traditionally contains the relics of a Saint, in this case:

St Clement, Pope & Martyr
St Thomas of Canterbury
St Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church
St Francis Xavier, Apostle of the Indies
St John Southworth, Priest and Martyr
St Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr
St Faustina.


022    The Sanctuary

This recalls the time when the early Christians met to worship in hiding, in catacombs and a tomb would be used as an altar table

Also in this picture, the three overhead carved panels are just visible. These also came from Austria. They were taken down in the 1960's, but have now been restored to their former position. They depict three scenes, recalling the name of the Church itself: the crucifixion is in the centre, with St Peter receiving the keys from Christ on one side and on the other, Judas of the Maccabees, collecting alms on the battlefield for the families of dead soldiers (hence:'All Souls').

Above the carving, but not visible in the picture, stand four woodcarvings: the Archangel Michael, with figures carrying items from the crucifixion story - a whip, a cock, pieces of silver etc.