Sacred Heart Exeter
Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Made in Munich and presented to the church in thanksgiving for the silver jubilee of the priesthood (25 years of service) of Rev. G. Hobson on 12th August 1885.
The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolizes Christ’s deep love and mercy for humanity. It typically shows Jesus revealing His heart, which is surrounded by thorns, glowing with light, and sometimes topped with a cross. This heart represents His burning love, compassion, and sacrifice for all people.The devotion became widespread in the 17th century, inspired by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who had visions of Jesus showing His heart as a sign of His love and desire for people to love Him in return. This devotion highlights Jesus’ suffering for human sins and His invitation to trust and love Him.
Sacred Heart statues are common in Catholic churches and homes, serving as reminders of Jesus’ mercy and the call to live with love and compassion. The Feast of the Sacred Heart, celebrated 19 days after Pentecost, honors this devotion and its significance for Catholic spirituality worldwide.
Statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. As the statue of the Sacred Heart, it was made in Munich and presented to the church in thanksgiving for his silver jubilee of the priesthood (25 years of service) of Rev. G. Hobson on 12th August 1885.
The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows depicts the Virgin Mary in deep sorrow, often shown with seven swords piercing her heart, symbolizing the seven great sorrows she endured in her life. These sorrows include events like the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, and the crucifixion of Jesus. The statue often portrays Mary with a sorrowful, compassionate expression, reminding the faithful of her suffering and compassion.
Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on Mary’s grief as a mother sharing in the suffering of Christ. It encourages believers to reflect on pain, sacrifice, and hope in the midst of trials. This devotion helps the faithful unite their own sufferings with Mary’s, drawing strength and comfort from her example. The Feast is celebrated on 15th September, honouring Mary’s courage and her role as a loving, compassionate mother who intercedes for those in sorrow.
Statues of St Sidwell and St George.
Saint Sidwell is a lesser-known English saint, traditionally believed to have lived in the early medieval period. She is often associated with the city of Exeter, where she is considered a local martyr and virgin saint. According to legend, Sidwell was a humble and devout Christian woman who was martyred by her stepmother. She is sometimes depicted carrying a scythe or holding a small well, representing the miraculous spring of water that flowed from the place where she was killed.
Saint George is one of Christianity’s most famous saints and the patron saint of England. He was a Roman soldier and Christian martyr who lived during the 3rd century. According to legend, George bravely fought and killed a dragon that was terrorizing a town, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated on April 23, his feast day honours his courage, faith, and chivalry. Saint George is often depicted wearing armour and carrying a flag with a red cross.
Statues of St Edward the Confessor and St Walburga.
Saint Edward the Confessor was the King of England from 1042 to 1066, known for his deep faith and commitment to justice. Renowned for his humility and charity, he built Westminster Abbey, which became one of the most significant religious sites in England. Edward was canonized in 1161 and his feast is celebrated on October 13. As a saintly king, he is remembered for his peaceful reign, his devotion to God, and miracles attributed to his intercession.
Saint Walburga was an 8th-century English missionary and abbess who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Germany. Known for her holiness and healing miracles, she is often depicted holding a palm branch or a book, a flask of oil and a crozier. Her feast day is celebrated on February 25. Walburga’s dedication to faith, charity, and education made her an important figure in early medieval Christian history, inspiring devotion across Europe.
