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To see what is happening in the Cathedral over the next couple of weeks, click here.
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We are blessed with many treasures at St.Patrick's. Explore some of them here.
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Tabernacle Stand
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The hand-carved, wooden tabernacle stand was a gift to the Cathedral from the
Maori people of Panguru parish in the Hokianga. This is where Bishop Pompallier
celebrated New Zealand's first Catholic Mass on 13 January 1838.
The top panel of the stand shows a fish, symbolising Christ, bearing on its
back a basket of bread and a cup of wine. This illustration of the Real
Presence dates from the early second century.
Thunder and lightning are carved above the main figure. This section of the
work represents the Maori proverb "Papa to whatitiri, hokohiko te uira…" ---
"The thunder claps, the lightning flashes…" and signifies an event of
tremendous importance.
The second panel shows bunches of grapes.
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The main figure of the central column represents Christ crucified. In His
hands, He holds a calabash of wine and a loaf of bread proclaiming, "This is my
Body, This is my Blood".
At the feet of the Christ figure are the symbols of His Passion --- the crown
of thorns, the lash and the nails.
The base of the stand shows loaves of bread.
The stand measures 590L x 560W x 1010H.
Artist: George Dixon
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