Feast Day of the Blessed St Mary
The principal feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the cathedral is dedicated, is celebrated on 15 August each year. The original parish church on the cathedral site was also dedicated to her. When the cathedral was built in 1880, most of St Mary’s church was demolished but one aisle was retained, and still functions as a parish church with the cathedral’s Dean serving as its rector.
One of the most inspiring features of St Mary’s Aisle is its triptych. It was designed by Frank Pearson, son of the cathedral architect John Loughborough Pearson. The triptych is made of oak, originally cost £300, and features some of the most renowned events in the life of the Virgin Mary, such as the Annunciation, the adoration of the Magi, and the flight into Egypt.
Two thirds of the cost was covered by a thanks offering and a gift ‘in memoriam’, and the rest was collected in the course of time. The triptych was dedicated on 24 October 1900 by the Bishop of Truro, George Wilkinson, and has been a focal point for worship and private prayer ever since.
The Blessed Virgin Mary has been traditionally represented in many of the greatest works of art down the centuries. A number of flowers have become particularly associated with her, and appear in pictures as a sort of shorthand to remind us of her virtues. These include the rose (Rosa canina), symbolising Mary's love of God; the white lily (Lilium candidum, Madonna lily), her purity; and the marigold (Calendula officinalis), her heavenly glory. Next time you are in St Mary’s Aisle, have a closer look – prominent in the nativity scene in our triptych is a white lily.
The St Mary’s Aisle Appeal will help preserve this important piece of our sacred heritage, keeping the triptych safe from water damage. Please give generously so that we might be able to save this invaluable work of art/devotion for future generations.