Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Maiden Lane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corpus Christi |
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| Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Maiden Lane | |
| Corpus Christi Shrine Church | |
High Altar of Corpus Christi during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
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 Corpus Christi
Location in Central London
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| 51°30′39″N 0°07′21″W / 51.510923°N 0.122498°W | |
| Location | Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, Westminster London, WC2E |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Tradition | Roman Rite |
| History | |
| Status | Diocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Founded | 20 October 1874 |
| Founder(s) | Henry Edward Cardinal Manning |
| Dedication | Corpus Christi |
| Consecrated | 18 October 1956 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Architect(s) | F. H. Pownall |
| Architectural type | Shrine Church |
| Years built | 1873-1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Materials | Brick |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Covent Garden |
| Deanery | Westminster |
| Archdiocese | Westminster |
| Province | Westminster |
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church is a special church in Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London. It is a Roman Catholic church known for its beautiful design. The church building is listed as Grade II, which means it's an important historic building. It was designed by F. H. Pownall in an Early English Gothic style. This church is especially dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament.
Contents
History of Corpus Christi Church
How the Church Was Built
The land for the church was rented from the Duke of Bedford. A rule was set that the church had to cost at least £6,000. It actually ended up costing £8,000.
The first stone was laid in 1873. The church floor was built three feet lower than the street. This was done so the building would not be too tall.
Opening and Dedication
The church opened in 1874. Cardinal Henry Manning, who was the Archbishop of Westminster, opened it. It was dedicated to Corpus Christi. This dedication was a way to show respect for the Blessed Sacrament.
The church was not officially consecrated until 1956. This happened after all the building costs were finally paid off.
Famous People Connected to the Church
One of the early priests was Father Francis Stanfield. He wrote two well-known hymns: 'Sweet Sacrament Divine' and 'O Sacred Heart'.
The church also appears in a famous book. It is mentioned in Graham Greene’s novel "The End of the Affair".
Inside Corpus Christi Church
Main Altar and Art
The main altar and the artwork behind it, called the reredos, were made by Thomas Earp. He might also have carved the altar in the Sacred Heart chapel. The statue of the Sacred Heart was replaced during a recent restoration in 2018.
The beautiful stained glass windows might have been made by Clayton and Bell. There is also a blocked window in the south aisle by Mayer.
Special Chapels and Statues
The Lady Chapel is designed to look like the Holy House in Loreto. It has a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. This statue was blessed by Bishop Alan Hopes in September 2015. It was specially carved in Italy for the chapel. The stained glass in the Shrine Chapel shows the Coronation of the Virgin.
Near the altar steps, you can see a bronze statue of St Tarcisius. He was a young Roman boy who became a martyr. This statue was created by Karin Jonzen.
There is also a statue of St Genesius. He was a Roman martyr and is the patron saint of actors. The church has a long history with actors. It is the spiritual home for the Catholic Stage Guild. It is also home to the Latin Mass Society.
New Shrines and Statues
A special shrine for Blessed Carlo Acutis was revealed on October 12, 2022. It was carved in Italy and includes a special relic.
A statue of St. Gianna Molla was also unveiled on April 29, 2023. This statue was also carved by Ferdinand Stuflesser.
Church Restoration
The church went through a big renovation project. It cost £1.5 million to remove old paint from the 1970s.
Vincent Cardinal Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, reopened the church in 2018. He dedicated it as the new Diocesan Shrine to the Blessed Sacrament. New Stations of the Cross were sculpted by Arthur Fleischmann. They were given to the church in his memory by his wife. A new group, called a Sodality, has been started at the church to honor the Blessed Sacrament.
Gallery
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The beautiful interior of the church
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The main altar
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Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham
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The shrine for Blessed Carlo Acutis
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Statue of St Gianna Molla
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The Shrine chapel
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Detailed stained-glass window
