The Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St Joseph is now more than 150 years old, so it is not surprising to find that the building has undergone several radical changes during that time. This photograph was taken during the recent work on the Sanctuary arch. When the statue of Our Lady and the backing board behind it had to be moved so that scaffolding could be erected, this doorway was revealed. It must have been the entrance to the confessional, which would have been in that tiny space where the sound system is today. We can only hope that none of the penitents suffered from claustrophobia!
In contrast, here is the latest stride towards modernity, a spiral holy water stoup, no less. A remarkable piece of work and a striking design, perfectly fitted to the top of the font. The earlier rumour that Fr Danny had intended to put a sprinkler over the door and intone the Asperges as the congregation entered can now be discounted.
1 comment:
I really like it! I think it looks more classic / timeless than modern (yes, I know this is a dish we're talking about). I thought it looked very Celtic at first: which is quite fitting because the basic celtic spiral symbols denoted the flow of water. The spiral, I was told, also symbolised the flow of the inner soul to the outer life. I think the dish is quite Ionic too: it has an Alpha and Omega feel to it. Obviously it has a centre; where is the beginning and where is the end? I quite like the Asperges idea, but then I like the rain; it would play havoc with some of the ladies' perms. Not to mention the gentlemens' Brylcream.
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