Preview
Photographer
Rev. Michael J. Ahern, S.J.
Date
1942
Description
This is a view of the altar in the chapel in McAuliffe Hall, in this case set for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the representational image of Christ on the cross, the altar also features ornate pillars, an archangel, and decorative carvings of flowering urns. A wood and gold lead urn, along with six long tapers and four short ones are also displayed.
Notes
The symbol on the altar is a chrismon, which comes from the Latin phrase Christi Monogramma, meaning "monogram of Christ". This popular chrismon is called a "Chi Rho," which consists of the Greek letters X (chi) superimposed upon P (rho). Often, the rho is formed to look like a shepherd's crook and the chi like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the shepherd of his flock, the Christian Church. Added to this are the Greek letters alpha and omega, which together are a reference to Jesus Christ's self-description in Revelation 22:13 that "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Image date is approximate.
Publisher
Fairfield University
Collection
Image Archive
Original Format
Photographic print; black-and-white; 8 x 10 in.
Digitization Date
2007
Repository
Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections
Copyright
© Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections. This resource may be used for educational or non-commercial purposes. Please direct any questions to digital@fairfield.edu.
Repository Citation
Rev. Michael J. Ahern, S.J.. "Altar in McAuliffe Hall Chapel." 1942. Image Archive. Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections. https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/image-archive/68.