"The entire Heavenly Court comes to assist at the most humble Mass" - St. John Vianney of Ars


  This scene represents the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, after the Consecration, when Calvary becomes present in church.  The twinkling star which rises above the tableau reminds us to live by Faith: "Blessed at they who have not seen and yet have believed."
  We have attempted to portray the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity to bring out a truth of Faith that where Jesus is, there also abide the Father and their mutual Spirit of Love.
  Mary, Queen of the World, Empress of Angels and of men, reigns over the nine choirs of angels.  Facing our Blessed Lady, stands the mighty St. Michael, Prince of the Heavenly Host.  The Archangel displays the banner of the Sacred Heart, reviving in our memory a promise of Jesus to set our souls on fire provided we find the way to His Most Sacred Heart.  The splendour of this Divine Sun appears through the Sacred Breast of the Crucified Saviour.
  Holding the six candelabara, stand the Seraphim afire with Divine Love.  During Holy Mass, they are most eager to inflame our souls with exceedingly great charity.
  At the centre of the altar, forming a canopy over the Celebrant, a four-faced Cherubim remains prostrate before the Lord Jesus.  The choir of the Cherubim unceasingly sounds the depths of the Divine Mysteries.  Let us ask them how to profit by the priceless treasure of teh Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
  The choir of the Thrones, here shown by small heads of angels, surrounds the Blessed Trinity.  Together with the Cherubim, they form the living throne of God.  May they help us to become true bearers of the Blessed Trinity dwelling within us!  How willingly would they fill our hearts wtih praise, and adoration and love!
  On the Gospel side, the Dominations are shown bearing a small orb and a sceptre, symbols of their task of governing the universe.  With a little spirit of Faith, we could recognize and lovingly adore the action of God in our lives.  These angels would also help us to make good use of all creation as is expected of us.
  Likewise on the epistle side, are the Principalities.  These angels should be pictured, in all justice, as sparkling diamonds in human form of inconceivable splendor and dazzling brilliancy.  May they inspire superiors never to abuse their authority, and subjects, the duty and way of obedience.
  The angelic Powers have been given the aspect of warriors bearing golden trumpets; they wage war against the evil spirits and sustain us in the arduous struggles of spiritual life.
  In a half circle about the altar, are twelve angels of the choir of Virtues.  Theirs is the power os performing miracles.  These blessed spirits assist priests in the several functions of their sublime ministry.
  The Archangels, the extraordinary messengers of God, are represented by two angels with wings outspread above them, standing at each end of the altar.  They strengthen us in the greatest trials of life.
  Two Angels holding golden censers recall the vision of St. John:  "Much perfume is given to them...the prayers of all the faithful attending the Holy Sacrifice rise towards Heaven like the smoke of the incense." (Apoc. 8.3)
  A few Guardian Angels are shown in the foreground.  They are Princes of the Heavenly Court whom the Good Lord, in His merciful kindness, has commanded to care for us, night and day, throughout life.
  Please God these few thoughts and this visual reminder may keep aflame in our hearts a living devotion towards our friends, the Holy Angels!
-Andre Barbeau, 1958 (Archbishop CCCC, Montreal)