Bishop Harold has dedicated a striking new brass Cross at Down Cathedral. In recent years the Cathedral was re–ordered on a model of pilgrimage and the new cross represents the final destination on the journey.
Suspended above the communion table at the east end of the Cathedral, the life–sized figure of Christ on the cross is depicted as a reversed silhouette through which the east window may still be seen. It is finished in highly polished brass and is based on a Cross which can be found at Christ the King Spiritual Life Centre in our link diocese of Albany, New York State.
Belfast–based architect, Brian Quinn, was responsible for the realisation of Bishop Miller’s vision. He was assisted by Kevin Clancy, a structural engineer from Limerick, who specified the fixings and cables. The cathedral walls had to be carefully rested for their load bearing capacity before the Cross could be positioned above the table.
Church Art Metals, Dublin took the detailed design and manufactured the finished Cross whilst H.J. O’Boyle Ltd, Downpatrick brought it into position earlier this week.
The installation of the Cross completes the renovation of the Cathedral interior that was begun in 2014. It is also the final destination for pilgrims drawn to the Hill of Down, the place of St. Patrick’s last resting place.
Bishop Harold explains:
Bishop Harold dedicated the Cross at his farewell service on 19 September 2019 and it was one of his last acts as Bishop of Down and Dromore.
Dean Hull explains the new cross 
During the dedication service 
New suspended brass cross 
The new cross is suspended above the communion table 
Looking up at the new cross
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