HOME       ART & ARCHITECTURE       CATHEDRAL LIFE       MUSIC       EVENTS       SHOP     TEXT ONLY   LISTEN TO MUSIC
  VISITOR INFORMATION       CHILDREN'S AREA       HOW YOU CAN HELP      SITE GUIDE  

Art & Architecture >

Dedication of the Cathedral


Consecration sconce, one of twelve installed around the interior and lit on the Feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral, 1 July, each year.
With the laying of the foundation stone in June 1895, the Cathedral was dedicated to The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to his Blessed Mother, his Foster Father St Joseph and St Peter, his Vicar. There are secondary patrons, also: St Augustine and all British saints, St Patrick and all saints of Ireland. These dedications provide a meditation in themselves and are reflected in features of the Cathedral such as the pelican feeding her young with the blood of her own body (an ancient symbol of Christ selflessly nourishing redeemed humanity), the great crucifix that hangs between the nave and the sanctuary, and the side chapels, many of which honour patron saints.


Dedication of the Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood
To the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord
Jesus Christ
To his Blessed Mother,
His Foster Father Saint Joseph
and St Peter his Vicar

Secondary Patrons

St Augustine and all British saints
St Patrick and all saints of Ireland

DOMINE JESU REX ET REDEMPTOR PER SANGUINEM TUUM SALVA NOS

(Lord Jesus, King and Redeemer, save us by your blood)



A BRIEF HISTORY

BEFORE THE CATHEDRAL

SIGNIFICANT DATES

CATHEDRAL TOUR

CATHEDRAL MOSAICS

CATHEDRAL MARBLES

JOHN FRANCIS BENTLEY

 

© Westminster Cathedral 2002   |   Credits  |   Glossary   |   Privacy and Legal

Westminster Cathedral   42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW   United Kingdom
Email us Tel: 020 7798 9055   Fax: 020 7798 9090   Registered Charity Number 233699