The Side Chapel

Over in the right-hand corner of the Church there is a side altar upon which rests a smaller Tabernacle in which is kept the Holy Oils – Sacrum Chrisma (S.C. – Holy Chrism is a Consecrated Oil which is used for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and when Consecrating Altars etc.) Oleum Catechumenorum (O.C. – Oil of Catechumens) – and Oleum Informorum (O.I. Oil of the Sick).

The Tabernacle is decorated with a Pelican feeding her young with blood from her breast – an ancient Christian symbol reminding us of how Christ, from whose pierced side their flowed Blood and water – His Sacrifice on the Cross – feeds us and gives us life.  Above the Tabernacle is a wooden figure: “Maiestas Domini,” (Christ in Majesty). With one hand he blesses us whilst in the other he holds a book on which is written in Latin: ‘ego sum via, veritas et vita’ – “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

The Side Chapel is also used as an Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday at the end of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper which takes place during the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week.