SOUTH AISLE
Former Baptistry
Originally this room contained the Baptismal Font of the Cathedral, until it was relocated to the Main Aisle of the Cathedral. The windows in the room and as you enter, point to the original intent of this space.
Nicodemus Window: This window portrays the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin. Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be "born in water and Spirit." John 3:5.
Baptism of Jesus Window: This window depicts Jesus being baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Located on the wall just outside of the Baptistry are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This are qualities that help us to be in tune to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. They are:
Wisdom: The ability to know with the heart and see things with the eyes of faith. To see ourselves as God wants us to be and to act as God wants us to act.
Understanding: The ability to be aware of what is around us, to see relationships and connections between things, and to discern the consequences of our choices.
Counsel (Right Judgment): The ability to give and receive good advice flowing from prayer, Scripture, Church teachings, and the guidance of others in the faith community.
Fortitude (Courage): The ability to know, stand up for, and do what is right and good, even when it is difficult.
Knowledge: The ability to benefit from education and experience in order to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and thereby do the right thing.
Piety (Reverence): The ability to give faithful love and honor to God, and to treat all others and creation with respect.
Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): The ability to respond with adoration, praise and thanks to God who is holy, powerful, wise, bountiful, and merciful.
St. Francis Chapel
St. Francis of Assisi Side Altar Close-up: St. Francis Statue
Probably one of the most famous saints, Francis began his life in a wealthy Assisi family. Francis lived a rather care-free life until a vision of Christ transformed him. After a pilgrimage to Rome in 1206, he began a life of poverty and service. Many people were attracted to the him and the life he lived, ultimately leading to the founding of the Franciscans. He died in Assisi on October 3, 1226 and was canonized in 1228. His feast is celebrated on October 4.
The relief shows St. Francis surrounded by angels above, "brother sun and sister moon" beside him, and a sheep and wolf at his feet.
Holy Family Chapel
Holy Family Chapel Close-up: Holy Family Carving
This relief depicts a moment in the life of the Holy Family. Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus at Joseph's workbench. Joseph has given Jesus a small ark to play with. The ark representing the new moment of salvation by God found in the child Jesus. Above the relief is painted a cross with two rings, the symbol for marriage.
St. Margaret Clitherow Window
Born Margaret Middleton in York, England in 1555, she married John Clitherow in 1571 and converted to Catholicism in a few years after. She was sent to prison for two years because of her faith, but upon her release set up a Catholic school and arranged to have Mass said. Her home soon became and important refuge for fugitive priests in England. She was ultimately caught and sentenced to death - being pressed to death under an 800 pound weight on March 25, 1586. She was canonized in 1970 as one of the 40 martyrs of England and Wales.
The window contains several scenes from her life:
Priest celebrates Mass, while a servant brings a lamb.
Leading prayer in her home.
Being pressed to death.
Born in 1647 in Burgundy, France , Margaret Mary Alacoque was sent at the age of eight at live the Poor Clares' school when her father died. Early on she developed a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and in 1671 entered the Visitation convent. On December 27, 1673 she began to experience a series of visions that would last for the next year and a half. In them she was told that she was to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart, through what would become known as the Nine Fridays and the Holy Hour, and to help establish the feast of the Sacred Heart. Through much opposition she persevered and in 1686 the feast was celebrated for the first time. She died on October 17, 1690 and was canonized in 1920. Along with St. John Eudes and Blessed Claud La Colombiere, she is known as one of the "saints of the Sacred Heart". In 1765, Pope Clement XIII officially recognized and approved the devotion.
Blessed Sacrament Altar
Blessed Sacrament Altar Insert on the Altar (Road to Emmaus)
The Blessed Sacrament Altar is the location of the Cathedral's tabernacle. The tabernacle is used to keep the Blessed Sacrament after Mass so that it may be taken to the elderly and ill who cannot be with us for the celebration of the Mass.
The mosaic behind the altar portrays Christ breaking bread.
The centerpiece of the altar depicts Jesus breaking bread with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35.