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As we stand facing the cathedral's interior (i.e., the
nave), we can see in the right corner of the narthex a carving
of St. Augustine. His intense zeal and sorrow for sin are
reflected by the symbol of a pierced and flaming heart. The
words "Tolle, Lege" (Take up and read) recall the
mysteriously-heard command that prompted him to read a random
passage in the New Testament and occasioned his conversion from
a life of sin. He is here to remind us that before we enter the
nave for Mass, we should remember our sins sorrowfully, so that
we can be healed when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
Also in this part of the narthex, which is under the north
tower, are pictured three other "Latin Doctors of the
Church," so called because of their use of the Latin
language in their writings.
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St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into
Latin from the original languages, is depicted holding a
book with the opening words of his translation ("In
the beginning God created..."). An old tradition,
recalled in this panel, tells of how he befriended a
wounded lion, which thereafter became his companion. |
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St. Ambrose, who became bishop of Milan,
insisted that the emperor was not above the Church, but
part of it. The beehive represents his eloquence. Behind
it are knotted scourges symbolizing the penance he once
imposed on a sinful emperor. |
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St. Gregory the Great was pope when Italy
was in chaos. His firmness and strength of character,
tempered by his gentleness and clarity, enabled him to
rescue Italy from this. The dove in the panel is a sign
of his gentleness. The base of the church is carved
with musical notes, recalling his reformation of church
music (Gregorian chant). |
"If all people's tongues
were put together, if each of their members were changed into a
tongue, they would not suffice to praise her (Mary) as she
deserves." - St. Augustine
We are near the stairs that lead up to the
choir, but we'll visit that later.
Let's walk over to the opposite side of the narthex, near the Baptistery.
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