Christian Art releases new video - Westminster Cathedral's Great Cross: Two Sides, One Story

Westminster Cathedral's Great Cross

In this new video from Christian Art, Fr Patrick van der Vorst visits Westminster Cathedral to explore one of London's hidden gems: the Great Rood Cross. Suspended 30 feet above the sanctuary, this monumental cross frames the centre of the Cathedral, the mother church of England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster.

Carved in Bruges to the designs of architect John Francis Bentley, the Great Rood is a striking neo-Byzantine masterpiece. At its centre, Christ is depicted in his final moments, his eyes partially visible. Encircling his head are the Greek letters -meaning victory-a symbol of his triumph over death.

Fr Patrick examines the four symbolic creatures at each corner-a winged lion, a bull, a winged man, and an eagle-representing the Gospel writers. Beneath them, an inscription reveals their names, almost invisible from the pews.

Moving in closer, he reveals the golden finials-pomegranates entwined with palm leaves. The pomegranate, with its many seeds, represents all the faithful of the Church gathered together as one in Christ. The palm leaves recall Palm Sunday, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph over sin and death.

However, the cross holds more than meets the eye. Stepping onto the sanctuary, Fr Patrick uncovers the hidden reverse side, where a powerful image of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Mater Dolorosa, is revealed. A sword pierces her heart, aligning perfectly with the wound in Christ's side. This profound symmetry, shown in a 3D visualisation, symbolises their shared suffering-uniting Mother and Son in the mystery of salvation.

Flanking Mary, two titles appear in Greek: He Theotokos (Mother of God) and He Eleousa (The Chosen One). At the cross's four ends, lines from the Stabat Mater are inscribed:

Stabat Mater Dolorosa (The sorrowful mother stood), Eia Mater Fons Amoris (O Mother, fount of love), Fac ut Ardeat Cor Meum (Make my heart burn in me), and Juxta Crucem Tecum Stare (Beside the cross, let me stand with you).

Fr Patrick explores the significance of Mary's deep purple robe, linking it to ancient Jewish tradition. Purple, a blend of royal blue and sacrificial red, embodies two central themes of faith-praise and sacrifice-encapsulating the entire Christian story.

As Westminster Cathedral darkens for the evening, a single spotlight remains on the cross.

Fr Patrick invites viewers to take a fresh look at this extraordinary work of sacred art-one. that tells not one, but two intertwined stories of faith, suffering, and victory.

Watch the YouTube video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcm-o3Bga0E