Places of Devotion

Places of devotion call us to an awareness of the mystery all around us. Three shrines of saints, where people leave flowers, lit candles, and prayers, and the Stations of the Cross are such places in Saint Clement Church.

Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the shrine in the northwest corner of the transept, Mary is depicted in stone as the Immaculate Conception, with open hands and her foot upon a serpent with an apple in its mouth. This type of image dates from the sixteenth century, and is sometimes called Our Lady of Grace.

Shrine of Joseph, Husband of Mary

In the shrine in the northeast corner of the transept, a bearded Saint Joseph, spouse of Mary, is depicted holding a lily in one hand and in his other arm, the infant Jesus holding a cross.

Shrine of Jude

In the southeast corner of the transept, Jude is depicted with a flame over his head and holding a club, instrument of his martyrdom, and a medal with an image of Jesus. The apostle has been identified with both the disciple named Thaddeus and the other disciple called Jude; he is often called Jude Thaddeus. Some believe he was the author of the last epistle in the New Testament. Some traditions identify him as a brother of James the Lesser and a relative of Mary. One legend credits him with preaching in Syria and Asia Minor with Simon the Zealot. Jude is invoked by those in desperate, perhaps hopeless, situations.

Stations of the Cross

Fourteen brass Stations of the Cross marked with Roman numerals are mounted on the columns of the side aisles. Their design echoes the small stained glass windows on the outside walls of the aisles <LINK to crosswindows.php>. This devotion recalls the Way of the Cross that Christ trod on the way to his crucifixion. The Stations are usually prayed during Lent.

IMAGE: (shrine of mary - pg 58)
On the front of the shrine are symbols of Mary: a heart wounded by a sword, the fleur-de-lis or lily for Mary’s purity and an emblem of royalty; a crescent moon indicating that Mary reflects Christ's holiness and also a traditional symbol of the Immaculate Conception; and the serpent which will be overcome by Mary's child. In the center is a monogram for the Latin words Maria Regina, Mary, Queen.

IMAGE: (shrine of joseph - pg 58)
In mosaic on the front of the shrine is the name Josef and his attributes: a flowering rod, a carpenter’s square, lilies, and a pilgrim’s staff with bag, perhaps an allusion to the flight into Egypt.

IMAGE: (shrine of jude - pg 59)
On the base of the shrine in mosaic are symbols of Jude's martyrdom: halberd, club, and cross. His name also appears in mosaic as well as a ship, suggesting his travels.

IMAGE: (stations of the cross - pg 59)