Date of Award
2024
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (School of Philosophy and Theology)
Schools and Centres
Philosophy and Theology
First Supervisor
Karen McCluskey
Second Supervisor
Mariusz Biliniewicz
Abstract
St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney is considered to be the Mother Church of Australia. Yet, the rich architectural and artistic heritage contained therein has been little studied. This is an interdisciplinary study of John Hardman Powell’s Great North Window in that cathedral. It draws on theological and art historical research methods to interrogate the window’s underlying meanings, and the aims of its patrons. An examination of the doctrinal, devotional, and theological writings of the nineteenth century shows that this stained-glass window reflects the period’s understanding of salvation history. The window, firstly, tells the story of salvation through the stories about the women of the Old and New Testament. It further shows how salvation can be attained by living a life of virtue. Finally, the window reveals the promise of salvation in its depiction of the heavenly kingdom through the anticipated eschatology of the Eucharist. The window also demonstrates Powell’s context within the liturgical and theological revival of the newly emancipated English Catholic Church, as well as the nineteenth century’s focus on Mariology through the choices of female figures. The narratives of salvation are caught up within representations of prayer and worship, encouraging the faithful to participate in the act of devotion. 3
Publication Details
Flynn, C. A. (2024). The Light of Hope: Representations of Salvation in the Great North Window of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney [Master of Philosophy (School of Philosophy and Theology)]. The University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/448
