Maghera firm builds chair and altar for pontiff’s Mass
A CO Londonderry construction firm is building the furniture that will take centre stage during Pope Francis’s visit.
The Specialist Joinery Group has been asked to create an altar and chair that will sit on the papal stage, which has been created by former member of The Saw Doctors Johnny Donnelly.
The furniture provided by the Maghera firm will allow the Pope to address more than half a million people in Dublin’s Phoenix Park (right) on the exact spot where Pope John Paul II celebrated his historic Mass in 1979.
Founded by John
Bosco O’Hagan, the family-led company has manufactured bespoke joinery and fitted furniture products for clients all over the world.
The first papal visit to Ireland in almost 40 years, Pope Francis will be the chief celebrant at the final Mass for the World Meeting of Families in the park next Sunday.
The Specialist Joinery Group has also been tasked with constructing the official icon for the World Meeting of Families, in collaboration with iconographer Mihai Cucu.
The firm supplied the timber for theframe.
The icon takes the form of a triptych that looks, from the outside, like a house with front doors.
On these outside doors, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel bow their heads in adoration and service of God.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph are depicted eating together on the central panel, and on the base is the inscription “Amoris Laetitia —The Joy of Love”. Speaking about the art of iconography, artist Mihai said thatitwasa “different” kind of art.
He said: “An icon is different to a painting, it is the Bible in pictures, therefore, it is said to be written rather than painted.
“It has to be in accordance with the scripture, you cannot create your own imaginative piece.
“My hopes are that every person will be in contact with this piece.
“In a world in which we see spirituality decreasing, it is nice to see an interest among the people for this kind of art.”
The pieces of furniture and the icon were officially unveiled by the Specialist Joinery Group during an event at which close friends and family attended.