St Mary’s Cathedral · Aberdeen
Welcome. Through the Beauty for God project, the sanctuary in St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, is being transformed. Scroll down to discover more.
Welcome
Work to enhance the sanctuary area in St Mary’s Cathedral has been underway for some time. You will have probably seen the beautiful icon cross that is now suspended above the altar. This was Phase One of the project.
St Mary’s Cathedral is a living community of believers. People from all around Scotland, and beyond, who now call Aberdeen home.
We are now beginning Phase Two, the final phase. Fundraising has begun, and we are initially speaking with funders who can make substantial donations. Later in 2026, we will extend this invitation so everyone can contribute to the project.
A welcome from Bishop Hugh Gilbert
The Artist
Martin Earle is a Catholic artist specialising in works for churches and the liturgy. As well as painting in egg tempera and gilt, he carves in wood and stone, makes mosaics, and creates designs for other makers to execute.
Martin’s 9ft hanging crucifix for St Mary’s Cathedral was awarded the Grand Prize in the Chicago-based Catholic Art Institute’s international sacred art competition in 2023.
The Architect
David Chouman, FRIAS, RIBA, MSc, PgDip, PgDip, is a multi-award-winning Chartered Architect, and one of Scotland’s leading specialists in conservation architecture.
His career began with an acclaimed design-led practice in Aberdeen in the 1990s. In 2000, he joined the National Trust for Scotland to manage conservation of the organisation’s regional portfolio of historic buildings. He founded his own practice in 2007, specialising in conservation and sustainable design. Since 2001, David has held strategic posts in several regional and national architectural and conservation committees, including presidency of the regional architects' society.
Standing back
As you gaze down into the sanctuary in the image above, you will begin to notice many beautiful features. From the first step to the enormous mural that will be painted on the East Wall, the designs are intended to lift your eyes to God. The Church teaches us that, “sacred buildings … should be truly worthy and beautiful and be signs and symbols of heavenly realities.” (General Instruction on the Roman Missal §288)
You will also notice the beautiful materials used in each component of the design. Stone and timber will be sourced from every corner of the Diocese of Aberdeen, right across the Highlands and Northern Isles. And traditional stone masons and woodworkers from Scotland will work on the project. This will emphasise the tangible relevance of the Cathedral as a focal point for the whole of the north of Scotland.
Beauty for God is an investment in conservation, sacred art, traditional crafts and community heritage. It will enhance the Cathedral’s beauty and spiritual purpose, strengthen its role as a civic and cultural landmark, and contribute to Aberdeen’s visitor economy.
Close up
Every detail of the new sanctuary has been carefully planned.
One of the most significant changes you will see is that the Bishop’s chair (called a “cathedra”, which is where the word “cathedral” comes from) will move to the side. This will make space for the tabernacle to be positioned in the centre. Bishop Hugh was very keen for this change to happen.
But let us begin our tour by focusing on the altar, which is at the centre of the sanctuary project.
Before he became Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger wrote:
“[The altar] brings heaven into the community assembled on earth,
or rather it takes that community beyond itself into the communion
of saints of all times and places. We might put it this way: the altar is
the place where heaven is opened up.”
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy
The altar is both the table of the heavenly banquet and the altar of Christ’s sacrifice. Above all, it is a symbol of Christ himself, present in the midst of his Church as priest, altar, and victim. You will notice the image of the Lamb of God at the centre of the design.
“The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved is to be situated in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer.” (Code of Canon Law 1239 §1 and §3)
“The tabernacle is the complete fulfilment of what the Ark of the
Covenant represented. It is the place of the ‘Holy of Holies.’ It is the
tent of God, his throne … His presence (Shekinah) really does now
dwell among us.”
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy
It is a relatively small object, so it is important that the tabernacle should be framed in such a way as to make it visually prominent within the cathedral. The design for the tabernacle door includes iconography of the Annunciation.
The tabernacle is currently located in the chapel to the left of the sanctuary. The space created when it is moved will be used to house a new “aumbry”. This is a secure cabinet used to store and sometimes also to display the three sacred oils used in the sacraments: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism. These oils are blessed or consecrated during the Chrism Mass.
The bishop's chair is a symbol of his apostolic authority and of his role as the shepherd and teacher of the faithful in his diocese. Steps are often used to indicate the importance of the cathedra within the sanctuary, though it is not generally elevated higher than the altar. You will see that our design includes one step up to the cathedra, two steps up to the altar, and three steps up to the tabernacle.
“[When] the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel.” (General Instruction on the Roman Missal §29)
An ambo is more than a lectern from which the Scriptures are read and homilies are preached. It is something of a sanctuary or throne for the word of God. Its design should highlight the unity of the two tables of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The design shown here, in draft form only, is simple yet unfolding, allowing the viewer to discover meaning over time. As we contemplate the painting, we will begin to see the way it reflects the Liturgy and Sacraments, revealing what happens invisibly when the Word is proclaimed and the Eucharist celebrated.
We begin with the Church on earth, gathered at Pentecost. At the centre stands Mary, surrounded by the Apostles. This is visually linked to the crucifix above the altar, recalling Christ giving up his Spirit. The Church on earth is shown at prayer, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
We then see the Church in heaven, above. The Lamb of God stands upon the mountain from which flow the rivers of paradise. Angels minister around him, and the hand of the Father blesses from above. Earthly and heavenly liturgies form a single circle of worship.
We come to the Prophets and the Apostles. Isaiah receives the burning coal and Ezekiel eats the scroll, prefiguring the Eucharist and the proclaimed Word. Sent out, they echo the dismissal of the Mass. Below, Paul and John continue this mission after Pentecost. Rivers of grace flow through their books, nourishing the faithful, as lambs process towards the tabernacle.
Animations
Martin has prepared these short films to bring Phase Two to life. Click on the images below to watch them.
Sanctuary walk-through
East Wall mural