Priya Kapoor
The painting 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians' was unveiled at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on July 11, 2008, as part of World Youth Day. The artist, Paul Newton, was commissioned by Cardinal Pell to create a uniquely Australian image of Our Lady and the Child Jesus. Newton's painting features Australian icons and motifs, such as a garland of golden wattle, Australia's national emblem, instead of a traditional halo or crown. The painting was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and hangs in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Paul Newton |
| Date | 2008 |
| Unveiling Date | 11 July 2008 |
| Location | St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney |
| Commissioner | Cardinal Pell |
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What You'll Learn
Artist Paul Newton
Paul Newton is an Australian artist born in 1961. He is known for his portraiture and has won the Archibald Prize Packing Room Prize twice: in 1996 with a portrait of radio announcer John Laws CBE, and again in 2001 for his portrait of characters Roy Slaven and HG Nelson. He also won portrait competitions in Philadelphia and the Portrait Society of America's 2003 International Portrait Competition in Washington, D.C. Newton holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Art from the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney.
Newton has painted a variety of notable individuals, including Prime Ministers, Governor General Sir William Deane AC, KBE, model Kate Fischer, model Maggie Tabberer AM, and rugby player David Campese AM. His portrait of Tara Moss was a finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and was highly commended at the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Awards in Bega.
One of Newton's most notable works is the painting "Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians," which was commissioned by Cardinal Pell for World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. The painting was unveiled at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on July 11, 2008, and was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI. It depicts the Madonna and Child, with Australian icons and motifs, such as the golden wattle, the national emblem of Australia, instead of a traditional halo or crown. The landscape and twilight sky in the painting are also symbolic, with the stars painted in their correct positions in the southern sky.
"Our Lady of the Southern Cross" is now a permanent fixture in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, where it hangs as a unique Australian image of the Madonna and Child.
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Unveiling at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney
The painting 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians' was unveiled at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on 11 July 2008. The painting was commissioned by Cardinal Pell for World Youth Day, which was held in Sydney that year. The artist, Sydney portrait artist Paul Newton, was asked to create a new image of Our Lady and the Child Jesus for the event.
Newton incorporated Australian icons and motifs into the painting to create a unique Australian image of Our Lady presenting the baby Jesus to the world. For example, he replaced the traditional halo or crown with a garland of golden wattle, Australia's national emblem. He also painted an Australian landscape and a twilight sky, upon which the Southern Cross and other stars are accurately positioned.
The painting was unveiled during the first event of World Youth Day, a pilgrimage to the cathedral. This event encouraged visitors to reflect upon the lives of three of the ten World Youth Day patrons: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, and Blessed Mary MacKillop. The painting was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI.
Today, the painting hangs in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, where it is admired by visitors.
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World Youth Day 2008
The Opening Mass was celebrated by Cardinal George Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney, at Barangaroo on 15 July. This was followed by a concert. Each morning from 15 to 17 July, Catechists were held in approximately 300 locations, where pilgrims received teachings from bishops and celebrated Mass. In the afternoons, pilgrims ventured into the city to attend the Youth Festival, which included art exhibitions, concerts, seminars, and conferences.
On 17 July, Pope Benedict XVI arrived, and an estimated 500,000 attendees gathered at Barangaroo to welcome him. The Pope travelled around Port Jackson in a "boatacade," with pilgrims lining the shores to catch a glimpse. Pope Benedict XVI continued the tradition of Australian Papal Masses at Randwick Racecourse, following in the footsteps of John Paul II and Paul VI. During his Mass, he administered the sacrament of confirmation to 24 young people.
The event also featured a pilgrimage-style relay, the Journey of the Cross and Icon (JCI), which began on 1 July 2007. A large 3.8-meter-high wooden cross and a 15-kilogram icon of the Virgin Mary travelled through the dioceses of Australia, engaging with various Catholic parishes.
The festival concluded with the announcement that the next World Youth Day, in 2011, would be held in Madrid, Spain.
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Australian icons and motifs
The iconic Australian image, Our Lady of the Southern Cross, was painted by artist Robert Hoddle in 1857. The painting is a significant work of religious art in Australia and is considered a symbol of Australian Catholic identity. The artist was a devout Catholic and created this work as a gift for Bishop Goold, the first Catholic Bishop of Melbourne. The painting has become an important symbol and motif in Australian culture and has been reproduced in various forms over the years.
This unique painting features the Virgin Mary, who is depicted as a young Australian woman, standing on a crescent moon and surrounded by the stars of the Southern Cross constellation. The Southern Cross is a distinctive feature of the Australian flag and is often seen as a symbol of Australian identity and nationalism. In Hoddle's painting, the stars of the cross are configured as a diamond shape, which is a traditional representation of the constellation in Australian culture. This diamond shape is also said to represent the country's four cardinal directions and the vast expanse of the Australian continent.
The woman in the painting is dressed in blue and white, colours that represent both the Virgin Mary's traditional garb and the colours of the Australian flag. She holds a rosary in one hand and a golden crown in the other, which is said to be an offer to all Australians, bestowing blessings upon the nation. The painting is rich in symbolism and is considered a powerful representation of Australian Catholic faith and identity.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross has become an enduring Australian icon and a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and other cultural figures. The image has been reproduced in stained glass, statues, and other artistic mediums, often with slight variations that reflect the unique interpretations of different artists. The motif of the Southern Cross constellation, in particular, has become widely recognised and is often used as a symbol of Australian identity and patriotism.
This painting is a testament to the unique blend of religious and secular symbolism and has become an integral part of Australia's visual culture and heritage. It continues to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a unique perspective on Australian identity and a sense of national pride. The original painting is now housed in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, where it remains a cherished and revered symbol of the country's rich cultural and spiritual history.
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The Catholic Weekly
Our Lady of the Southern Cross: A Symbol of Australian Catholicism
The painting 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians' is a beloved symbol of Australian Catholicism. Unveiled on July 11, 2008, at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney during World Youth Day, the artwork holds deep religious and cultural significance for the country's Catholic community.
Created by Sydney portrait artist Paul Newton, the painting depicts a unique Australian image of Our Lady presenting the baby Jesus to the world. Newton's attention to detail and incorporation of Australian icons and motifs are remarkable. Instead of the traditional halo or crown, Our Lady is adorned with a garland of golden wattle, Australia's national emblem. The twilight sky showcases the Southern Cross constellation and the stars of the southern sky, accurately positioned.
The painting carries theological and symbolic weight, as noted by icon painter Michael Galovic: "icons endeavour to [...] depict the unknown and unknowable, the mystical and elusive to all senses." This power is evident in 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross', which has become a source of devotion and inspiration for Australian Catholics.
The work was commissioned by Cardinal Pell for World Youth Day 2008 and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during the event. It now hangs permanently in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, inviting reflection and contemplation from visitors and pilgrims alike.
'Our Lady of the Southern Cross' embodies the intersection of faith and Australian identity. It stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the country and continues to inspire and guide Catholics in their religious journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting was unveiled on July 11, 2008.
The painting was created by Sydney portrait artist Paul Newton.
The painting was unveiled at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.
The painting was commissioned by Cardinal Pell for World Youth Day Sydney 2008.
The painting depicts Our Lady and the Child Jesus with Australian icons and motifs.
