St Stephen's Church, Skipton

Virtual Tour - Sacred Heart Shrine

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was strong from the nineteenth century. It was essentially a devotion to the tender mercy and loving compassion of Jesus Christ, a firm trust in his care and providence. In 1904 this shrine of alabaster and marble was erected in memory of Innocent and Mary Jane Fattorini by their son and daughter. Two Jesuit saints, including St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ, patron of youth are also depicted on this shrine. The carved alabaster structure includes a mandorla (almond-shaped halo) of angels behind the statue of Jesus Christ extending his hand in blessing and pointing to his sacred heart.

Also in this photograph is the Paschal Candle which is lit throughout Eastertide and at Baptisms and Funerals as a symbol of the Risen Lord and faith in the Resurrection.