The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral
If you’ve read my previous blog about St. Olav, patron saint of Norway, you know that in the 1500’s, the royal family led the way for all of Norway by converting from Catholicism to Lutheranism.
The main church for the Church of Norway and the diocese of Oslo is the Oslo Cathedral.
The Norwegian Royal Family and the Norwegian government use this church structure for public events. This cathedral was built from 1694 to 1697. It was renovated in 2006 and re-opened in 2010.
This is a beautiful cathedral with stained glass windows, artwork on the ceilings, and beautiful woodwork with gold trim displayed on the pulpit and the altar.
I also noticed a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother and the child Jesus. Next to the statue is a candle display. Visitors are welcome to purchase a candle and leave it before the Blessed Mother and child Jesus’ statue.
Not much difference from the Catholic Church!
However, the altar was missing the tabernacle – something I always look for when entering a Catholic Church. In the Catholic Church, the tabernacle is the place where the Eucharist – the real presence of Jesus – Body, Soul, and Divinity, resides.
My favorite statue in this church was the portrayal of the Last Supper.
If you look closely at this structure, you will see pieces of paper tucked in the fingers of Jesus and the apostles. Next to this statue is a small table and chair with a stack of blank paper and a pen inviting people to write their thoughts, prayer requests, etc. and place it in the hands of Jesus or one of the apostles.
In a previous blog, I wondered if St. Olav would be pleased with the Protestant Reformation. As I toured this beautiful Lutheran cathedral, I wonder if Martin Luther is pleased with the Reformation that has taken place resulting in thousands of Protestant denominations. Where is the unity of the Body of Christ? Why are we so scattered?
Let me know in the comments below if you wonder about this same type of question. I encourage you to look at the Other Book Reviews page on this website for a list of books by authors who took the time to research and find answers to many of these types of questions.
If you are looking for research on the life of the Blessed Mother, my latest book is packed with over 400 footnotes. Click on the Amazon button below to order your copy. If you’ve already read the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Once on the Amazon page, scroll to the bottom to leave your review. I’d love to know how this book has impacted your life.
Stay tuned for more blogs on Norway – the best is yet to come!!!!!!
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