As I passed through the huge central doors of Westminster Cathedral one sunny spring afternoon, I was struck by the lingering smell of incense; the building seems constantly prepared for worship. There are always people at prayer, but it is as if a bell might ring at any moment, and a priest emerge vested for Mass and on his way to one of the many side altars, with their candlesticks standing ready at attention.
I was also heading to a side altar, but for different reasons. The St Paul Chapel is off the south aisle; at the end of the queue for confessions, and next to the spot where Cardinal Heenan’s tasselled scarlet soup-plate continues to hang, patiently waiting to announce his late Eminence’s entrance into heaven. Under the chapel’s spangled apse a newly-commissioned icon was on display, which I wanted to see for myself. At first glance it looked a little like the statue of Our Lady of Westminster, which is nearby; closer inspection opened up a profound and moving story.
