41. ACROSS THE NAVE

Looking back across the nave from the sanctuary, we see the strips of coloured glass, not visible from the nave, which give light to this area. It is a clever design.   INDEX

42. EASTERN NAVE

Leaving the sanctuary, we look towards the eastern side of the nave. By the exit there is a picture hanging on the wall, and to the right, another shrine.

43. JOSEPH THE CARPENTER

Joseph the Carpenter is an oil painting by Georges de La Tour created c 1645. The painting depicts a young Jesus with St Joseph, his earthly father. Joseph drills a piece of wood with an auger. The shape of the auger reflects the shape of the Cross and the geometry of the wood arrayed on the floor, set cross-wise to the seated child Christ, is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. John Rupert Martin writes that Jesus' patience represents ‘filial obedience and the acceptance of his destiny as martyr’.

44. JOSEPH SHRINE

Close by the painting of Joseph and Jesus, is this shrine with focus on Joseph.    

45. JOSEPH AND JESUS

Joseph is portrayed here holding the Infant Jesus. He is shown holding a lily branch – reference to an old legend proclaiming that he would be the ‘earthly’ father of the Messiah. This was the gift of the congregation in loving memory of Father Leo Joseph Cronin (1923 – 2003).   

46. THE NAVE

We now look back towards the south wall. We note the high window strip, the diagonal balcony above the entry with an organ and seating, and the remaining Stations of the Cross. For us there is one further item of interest at extreme left.

47. LAST SUPPER

Hanging on the south wall is a tapestry of ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci. This shows Christ meeting with his disciples shortly before the Crucifixion. This completes our visit to St Peter Claver’s Church.