New crucifix displayed in Cloister

A new crucifix was installed in Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister ahead of Holy Week.

The Revd Dr Peter Doll, the Cathedral’s Canon Librarian and Vice Dean, explained: “It is a common custom in Benedictine abbeys to have a large crucifix within the Cloister. It is used as a focus for devotion and a prayer station when processions move through the Cloister.

“To honour this tradition, an anonymous donor provided funds for the purchase of a crucifix for the Cloister of Norwich Cathedral, to be placed on the wall inside the Dark Entry, in the southeast corner of the Cloister. Each range of the Cloister has a major focus – the Prior’s Door, the Monks’ Door, the Lavatorium – and this crucifix provides a focus on the one blank wall at the east end of the south range. It will serve as a significant Christian symbol and signifier for visitors entering the Cathedral from the Cloister, a focus for prayer, and as a processional station.”

The corpus (figure of Jesus) is carved from wood by craftsmen of the Famille Monastique de Bethléem de l’Assomption de la Vierge et de Saint Bruno (the Monastic Family of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin and of St Bruno), a worldwide congregation of monks and nuns who practice Carthusian spirituality. The carving is in a Romanesque style which suits the Cathedral setting. The cross was created by James Utting, the Foreman of the Cathedral Works Team.

To see the details of services and events at Norwich Cathedral throughout Holy Week and Easter 2023 click here