Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral
The Sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. Thomas Aquinas is in itself a sermon on the Blessed Sacrament. The table of the Blessed Sacrament Altar is made of native Nevada aragonite, with hand carved angels. The aragonite came from a mine between Gabbs and Tonopah, Nevada which belonged to John Connolly, brother of then Bishop Connolly. The candlesticks are the work of Dirk Van Erp.
The great mural painting, considered one of the finest works of art of its kind in America, was executed by Edith and Isabel Piczek. The theme is the Adoration of the Lamb of God, our Lord in the Blessed Eucharist.
The Saints of the Old Law, to the left, include Abel, Moses, the Manna, Ruth, Abraham and Isaac, Melchisedech, David, Nathan, Malachias, Anna the Prophetess and John the Baptist.
The Saints of the New Law, include the Holy Family at Bethlehem, the last Supper with our Lord, St. Peter and St. John, with St. Paul in background, St. Augustine, St, Clare of Assisi, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Paschal Baylon, and St. Piux X, urging a modern working family to frequent Communion.
The present stations of the Cross were created by Bill Lutz in 1993. The main entrance doors are covered with copper, mined in Nevada. They were designed and embossed by Gordon Newby.
There are 8 stained glass windows to reflect upon: The Holy Family, Our Lady of the Snows, Mother Seton, Mother Cabrini, Friar Garces, Father Gallagher, Bishop Manogue, Bishop Carroll. For detail descriptions see 'About Us' under Cathedral.
