Crucifix for Council Chamber
12 Feb 1952A LARGE Crucifix, four foot long and two and wide, now hangs on the Dublin Corporation four feet Street a half feet wall of the Assembly Chamber over the Mayoral Chair. The Crucifix, presented by Senator A. Clarkin, Lord Mayor, and members of the Council, was blessed yesterday by Very Rev. John Redmond, P.P., SS. Michael’s and John’s, before being placed in position by the Lord Mayor. The attendance included the City Manager, Dr. P. J. Hernon; Mr. J. J. Rowe, Clerk of the Council, and members.
In ceremonial dress, speaking before the blessing, Father Redmond said that it was fitting that the Cross of Christ should be enthroned in the Chamber of the City Council, first, because it was their duty, as Christians, to give the place of honour in all public assemblies to our Crucified Saviour; secondly, because, during 300 years of religious persecution our forebears kept the Faith.
In all reverence, they could trace the Crosses erected from early Celtic churches on the Poddle – St. Michael’s Le Pole in Ship Street, St. Brigid’s in Bride Street, St. Patrick’s in Insula, St. Kevin’s, St. Martin’s, near Werburgh Street to the Danish Cathedral Trinity, on Christchurch, on the Hill. St. Nicholas” Trinity, on Christchurch, on the Hill, St. Nicholas” of the Holy St. Michael’s. St. John’s, down to the days when St Laurence O’Toole built his Church of St. Marie del Dam in honour of the Mother of God, near the mill dam under the Castle, close to the site of the City Hall. In the mediaeval churches within the walled city, the Crucifix stood above the Rood loft revered by hundreds of generations down to the 16th century, when the Crucifix and the Mass that continued the Sacrifice of Calvary were outlawed from our churches.
At the junction of Skinner’s Row now Christchurch Place – and High Street stood the High Cross of the City, where, on the ringing of a bell, the citizens assembled and proclamations were read. “To-day,” he said, “three hundred years later, the High Cross of the City no longer exists, but we are privileged to set up and revere once more the Image of Our Crucified Saviour in our city’s public assembly chamber, and to grant Him His rightful place at our public meetings and deliberations.”
When, faced with important problems and decisions, the sight of the Image of Our Redeemer would remind them that all plans of social or economic reconstruction must be based on Christian law and that” all things will be added to you if you seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice.”
After the ceremony the clergy, members and officials were entertained to tea by the Lord Mayor and Lad Mayoress.
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