This week, the installation of the organ was completed. Apart from a few small additions to be made (such as an enclosure to reduce the noise of the motor), the organ is ready and will be heard at some of the Masses this Sunday. Providentially it was played for the first time on Wednesday, 11th February, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The date and details for the blessing and inaugural concert of the organ (which will take place in Eastertide), will be communicated in due course.
“When the full organ joins the tuneful choir,
The immortal powers incline their ear;
Borne on the swelling notes our souls aspire,
While solemn airs improve the sacred fire;
And angels lean from heaven to hear.”
Alexander Pope, from “Ode on St Cecilia’s Day” (1717)
(Image above: St Peter’s Basilica in Rome – two of the Basilica’s organs are visible)
Progress in our Church
All the façade pipes in front of the Great section
The console of the organ – ready to be played
Organ from the back of the body of the church
From the far back of the gallery looking towards the altar
Interior photograph of the organ