57 The Last Judgement

Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgemenf'
For larger image 

The Last Judgement is referred to in the Bible and particularly in the Gospels. It refers to the belief that one day Christ will come in His glory with all the angels and in his presence, every person's relationship with God will be judged. 

CCC 635 Christ went down into the depths of death so that "the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." Jesus, "the Author of life", by dying destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage." Henceforth the risen Christ holds "the keys of Death and Hades", so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."

Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order  you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead." 

For further information about the history of the painting and explanation of what Pope Paul III who asked Michelangelo to paint this fresco (wall painting) including a video with an explanation of  details of the painting see Smarthistory 

Why not come and have a look at what else Paul III did, and the Popes who came before and after him - by coming and having a look at the Year of Faith timeline at Lancaster Cathedral - Wall of Faith

My Life is My Crime: Lives & Times of English Martyrs

Cope with symbols of martyrs 

19th July to 7th August

A month long exhibition and programme of liturgy and devotions, talks and films remembering the lives of the the English Martyrs.  This exhibition is part of Lancaster Cathedral's Year of Faith celebrations and gives us an opportunity to give thanks to those who have died for their faith.  There will be a full programme of events on the feast days of the 

Lancashire Martyrs - 19th July

Cumbrian Martyrs - 24th July

Lancaster Martyrs - 7th August

Films will be shown at 2.00pm in St Walburge's Chapel, Balmoral Road, Lancaster.  They last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.  
Talks take place on 19th, 24th and 30th July and 7th August.  
Cloister Café will serve lunch between 1 - 2 pm
For details of what is happening on individual days see Lancaster Cathedral calendar or a poster of the full programme. 

37 Pope

There have been more than 200 popes since then. As Catholics, we believe that they share in the authority that Peter was given and the Holy Spirit helps them to discern the true faith which they share with the Church and with the world.  At the start of our year of faith there were five Popes since Vatican II - see below and spot the mistake in the titles!

However, following his surprise resignation this year the current Pope is Pope Francis who was elected earlier this year. All the popes are shown on the year of faith timeline which is on view in Lancaster Cathedral together with a range of fascinating facts.  

A member of the Holy Communion programme
pointing out our new Pope Francis.

37 Pope

The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church throughout the world and is the successor of St Peter, Jesus' apostle.  The word 'Pope' means 'Father' and we use this word because the Pope represents God as our Father, who loves us and who sent Jesus, His Son, to die on the cross for us. 

During his lifetime, Jesus made Peter the leader of his Church, to take over when Jesus returned to heaven after his resurrection. Jesus gave Peter authority to act on his behalf to ensure that the truth about Jesus' life, death and resurrection was passed on. A symbol which is in plentiful supply around the Cathedral are the keys.  See Cathedral Parish blog for news of where parishioners have taken St Peter's Keys and news of this years image which we hope people will take around the globe.

We are reminded about those words of Peter when asked by Jesus, 'who do you say I am?'

You are the Christ, the son of the living God.

Seven candles above these words are lit when the Bishop is present

On 29^th June, we celebrate the feast of St Peter and St Paul and we thank God for their lives and their commitment to sharing the faith so that the early Church could grow. 

The Wall of Faith

The timeline for the Year of Faith continues to grow as details about Popes, Church Councils (special meetings of the Church which we will be writing about in future posts), and Cathedrals around the world, are added to the timeline.

This first image shows St Peter the first Pope, and an image from the stained glass windows in the Cathedral that show his life. The image is of the First Council in Jerusalem.  
We hope that during the year many who visit the Cathedral will have time to come and look at the timeline.

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The 400 shows what was happening 400 years after Jesus was born.  Just above each century there is a boat, which is the logo of the Year of Faith, more about this on Thursday when the Year begins.  Here we see a Map of Invasions of the Roman Empire and images of the 39th Pope, St Anastasius 1

The Cathedral parish website includes activities for children (and adults!), these include questions, crosswords, and things to find out.  Look out for this sign and a link to future challenges. Can you find out how many Pope's have there been since St Peter?

Remember all are welcome to join us for a day of prayer as we begin the Year of Faith. Thursday 11th October starting with the Angelus and Mass at 9.00am and ending with Compline (night prayer) at 9.00pm.  There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day.