A Lenten Art

Holy Innocents presents a finely handcrafted purple altar frontal created for Lent, complemented by a matching purple velvet apron. The embroidered design is rich in symbolism. Twelve golden willow (palm) leaves represent the Twelve Apostles and recall the palm branches scattered along Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. The central stem from which these leaves grow symbolizes the winding and sometimes challenging path of life. Along this stem, delicate grey catkins signify the young believers who, nurtured by God’s love, mature into devoted followers.


The design further features three Passion Flowers that evoke the Holy Trinity. In each flower, a pale blue center suggests the expanse of the heavens, a mauve tone alludes to the sorrow of sacrifice, green represents eternal growth, and a silver background stands for purity. The intertwining tendrils recall the ropes that bound Christ to the Cross, while three gold anthers evoke the hammer used during His crucifixion. The leaves, shaped like the blades of Roman swords, remind us of the piercing of Christ’s side, and a central Crown of Thorns—rendered in gold stitching over a small silver diadem—serves as a poignant reminder of His Passion.


A pure gold Crucifix, with its interlacing design and diamond inlaid details accented by dew drops at each crossing, anchors the composition. At its heart lies a gold web symbolizing the tangled nature of life, eventually resolved by three pearls representing the Godhead, all embraced by the glorified Cross. Beneath the arms of this Cross, two small crosses in dull silver evoke the memory of the two thieves crucified alongside Christ, contrasting human frailty with divine grace.


As Isaiah 53:5 reminds us, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…” This powerful verse resonates with the themes of sacrifice and redemption embodied in this altar frontal. Crafted by Mrs. Darnton as a replacement for the original bluish-purple piece donated by the Hirst family benefactors, this work of fabric art captures the reflective spirit of Lent with clarity and depth.

You can find out more about The Holy Innocents building here : 

The Holy Innocents

There are services very Tuesday at 10am. The first Sunday of the Month at 10am and also this month at 10am on Easter Sunday ! 

Holy Communion at The Holy Innocents