St. Mary's Church at Ladyewell


Torch of The Faith News on Thursday 30 October 2008 - 20:14:37 | by admin

layewell_009.jpgSt. Mary's church on the approach lane to Ladyewell was consecrated in 1795. The church was constructed with monies inherited by Fr. Anthony Lund who was eventually buried before the altar in 1811. Fr. Lund also gave money to the building of Ushaw College near Durham after a meeting was held in Ladyewell House about the construction of the seminary. (The room where this discussion occured is now the piety shop!).


layewell_008.jpgIn the churchyard, close to the front door, lie the mortal remains of Fr. Thomas Cookson - a former theology professor at Ushaw College and Domestic Prelate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII - he died in 1878, at the age of 75 and after serving 50 years as a priest.


layewell_004.jpgThe interior of the church is very splendid and an incredible place for silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.


layewell_001.jpgHaving survived the demolition of sanctuaries which has all too frequently characterised the past 40 years, St. Mary's surely offers a perfect setting for celebrating the Sacred Mysteries in the Extraordinary Form.

layewell_005.jpgThe tabernacle features the imagery of the pelican which was once thought by ornotholigists to be a bird which fed its young from its own blood by pecking at its breast near its heart. This iconography was popular to Catholic sensibilities because it suggested Christ feeding His own little ones from his own Heart - from His own flesh and blood - which is of course what happens during Holy Commnion at Mass. The High Altar at Ushaw College is another beautiful setting which features the imagery of the pelican and its young.

layewell_006.jpgHalf way down the central aisle the ceiling is dominated by this majestic ceiling boss which recalls in latin the words of the Glory be to The Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit.

layewell_007.jpgMaryla and Angeline pray before the Lady Altar.


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