Feast of Christ the King – November 24 2024 – Sunday Mass Readings
Every diocese in Ireland must have at least one statue, church or school of Christ the King, maybe not as impressive as the statues in Rio de Janeiro or overlooking Lisbon – or even the one in the Glen of Aherlow! – but just as cherished. Often Christ has his arms outstretched in the form of a cross, but he can be standing with the globe in his hand or seated on a throne.
Recently, I came across a unique and unconventional bronze statue of Christ the King, located in the grounds of the Lexicon – the Central Library & Cultural Centre of Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council. In silhouette, it looks like a modern-day sculpture made of scrap.
It was designed by American-Irish sculptor Andrew O’Connor (1874-1941) in 1925 as a memorial to those who died in the World War I. It was cast in France in the early 1930s, but – due to World War II – it didn’t reach Ireland till 1949. Though several priests were on the original and predominantly lay committee, the then PP of Dún Laoghaire objected to it and the matter was referred to Archbishop McQuaid; having had the 18ft. high, 3.5ton monument brought to him in Drumcondra for inspection, he turned it down. It was then stored in a committee member’s garden for almost 30 years.
In 1976, the Borough of Dún Laoghaire approved the trustees’ proposal for the erection of the Christ the King sculpture at Haigh Terrace, overlooking the port and the sea. It was unveiled in 1978, 47 years after it was cast.
In 2012, it was moved from Haigh Terrace to facilitate construction of the Lexicon. The monument was restored and relocated beside the Lexicon in 2014.
At first or second glance it looks like neither a cross nor a statue. It is, in fact, a triple cross. Its three sides depict three aspects of Christ’s life – Christ crucified, Christ resurrected and Christ the consoler. On the first side there is a shrouded weary Jesus, crucified on the cross, a heavy canopy over him symbolising the day of gloom and despair. Secondly, there is a majestic, resurrected Christ; thirdly, Christ is pulling clear of his bondage and reaching out to greet his followers.
Its rich spiritual symbolism was lost on those who opposed it. What do you think?
Martin Kelly C.S.Sp.
