Gia the giant ‘mother’ gorilla welcomes the animals in Paternoster Square into the safety of her embrace (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2024)
Patrick Comerford
Paternoster Square on the north side of Saint Paul’s Cathedral is the location of the London Stock Exchange, investment banks and fund managers. Surprisingly, though, the square itself is privately owned public space. The London Stock Exchange was the initial target of the ‘Occupy London’ protests in 2011, but the police thwarted the protesters’ attempts to occupy the square and sealed off the entrance.
A High Court injunction defined the square as private property, even though it had been repeatedly described as ‘public space’ in the plans for Paternoster Square. It all means the public has access but without a right of way in law, and the owner can limit access at any time.
The main monument in the square is the 23 metre (75 ft) Paternoster Square Column, William Whitfield’s Corinthian column of Portland stone topped by a gold leaf covered flaming copper urn, illuminated by fibre-optic lighting at night. However, the most-known work in the square must be Dame Elisabeth Frink’s Shepherd and Sheep, or Paternoster.
The bronze statue, commissioned in 1975, recalls not only Psalm 23 (‘The Lord is my Shepherd’) – but is also a play on the words Pater and Pastor and is a reminder of the traditional right of the Freemen of London to drive their sheep across London Bridge into the City of London.
Apollo a giraffe and Mila a Javan rhino by Gillie and Marc in Paternoster Square (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2024)
But there are more animals than sheep in Paternoster Square at present. Following last year’s sculpture of an animals’ dining table, the artists Gillie and Marc are back in Paternoster Square with yet another menagerie of animals with their sculptures ‘Wild About Babies’. Their current exhibition in Paternoster Square was launched last month (January 2024) and continues until January 2025.
This exhibition appeals to the inherent inability we all have to resist the charm of baby animals and our deep connection with the innocence of nature. They hope these creatures not only uplift people but also spark an urge to protect.
The project is a creative and artistic response to what is described as the ‘sixth mass extinction’. In January 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed 203 critically endangered mammalian species, including 31 which were tagged as possibly extinct. Wildlife is facing enormous human-made challenges, including climate change and poaching.
The sculptures by Gillie and Marc now in Paternoster Square bring an array of baby animals to the streets in partnership with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). The installation features six endangered baby animals, watched over by Gia, the giant 30-year-old ‘mother’ gorilla, a majestic three-metre creation representing the universal mother. She sits with her arms spread wide, welcoming all the animals into the safety of her embrace.
These creatures are crafted in bronze: Astrid, a young five-year-old giant tortoise; Bailey, a four-month-old African elephant; Apollo, a three-week-old giraffe; Mila, a four-month-old Javan rhino; Luna, a two-month-old hippo; and Clio, a six-month-old Bengal tiger.
The project is interactive, so each sculpture has a QR code with information and images of the real-life animal in its natural habitat and with an understanding of the diversity of wildlife, the plight these animals face and why they are so important to our planet.
Gillie and Marc’s Rabbitwoman and Dogman tell the tale of two opposites coming together as best friends and soul mates (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2024)
Nearby too are Gillie and Marc’s Rabbitwoman and Dogman sculptures, with a sign explaining the installation and telling of the work of Gillie and Marc.
Gillie and Marc Shattner are two British and Australian collaborative artists who have been called ‘the most successful and prolific creators of public art’ by the New York Times. They create innovative public sculptures, seeking to redefine what public art should be and spreading their message of love, equality, and conservation.
Gillie and Marc are known for Rabbitwoman and Dogman, two trademark characters who tell the tale of two opposites coming together as best friends and soul mates. They stand for diversity and acceptance through love. Their public artworks can be seen New York, London, Singapore, Shanghai and Sydney, and they have raised hundreds of thousands for wildlife charities.
Clio, a six-month-old Bengal tiger, and Astrid, a young giant tortoise (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2024)
Last year, I enjoyed their collections in Spitalfields, including the ‘Herd of Hope’ – a family of 21 life-sized bronze elephants embarking on the journey of a lifetime as they migrate across London – and ‘Together Forever on Wheels,’ incorporating two of their most popular sculpture themes, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, Vespas and coffee.
Now I need also to see the ‘Wild Table of Love,’ Gillie and Marc’s exhibition in Paddington, with the invitation to join the banquet, with Rabbitwoman and Dogman host at the party. The animals are already tucking in at the table, and all that is left is for the public to take our seats.
• Wild About Babies is Paternoster Square until January 2025.
Luna, a two-month-old hippo, and Bailey, a four-month-old African elephant (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2024)
29 February 2024
Daily prayer in Lent with
early English saints:
16, 29 February 2024,
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne depicted in a window of the Church of All Saints Pavement, York (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2022)
Patrick Comerford
The Season of Lent began earlier this month on Ash Wednesday (14 February 2024), and this week began with the Second Sunday in Lent (Lent II, 25 February 2024).
Throughout Lent this year, I am taking time each morning to reflect on the lives of early, pre-Reformation English saints commemorated in Common Worship.
Before this day begins, I am taking some quiet time this morning for reflection, prayer and reading in these ways:
1, A reflection on an early, pre-Reformation English saint;
2, today’s Gospel reading;
3, a prayer from the USPG prayer diary.
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne depicted in a window in the baptistry in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Early English pre-Reformation saints: 16, Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne is commemorated in Common Worship on 20 March. He was probably born in the Scottish lowlands around the year 640. At the age of eight, a prophetic remark from a playmate turned his mind to sober and godly thoughts, and his upbringing as a shepherd gave him ample time for prayer.
One night, he saw a dazzling light in the sky and angels carrying a soul up to heaven, and resolved to dedicate his life to God. Some years later, Cuthbert came to Melrose Abbey asking to be admitted as a monk. From there, he began his missionary work, which he continued from Lindisfarne when he became abbot there.
He was consecrated bishop in 685. He remained an indefatigable traveller and preacher, walking all over his diocese, and spending time as a hermit on Farne Island in between.
After only a year, however, he felt his end coming and resigned his office. He died on Farne in the company of a few of his monks.
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (right) in the Church of All Saints Pavement, York, with Saint Paulinus of York (centre) and Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (left) (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2022)
Luke 16: 19-31 (NRSVA):
[Jesus said:] 19 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” 25 But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” 27 He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house – 28 for I have five brothers – that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” 29 Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” 30 He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31 He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead”.’
The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) … a stained glass window in Saint Mary’s Church, Banbury, Oxford
Today’s Prayers (Thursday 29 February 2024):
The theme this week in ‘Pray With the World Church,’ the Prayer Diary of the Anglican mission agency USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel), is ‘Lent Reflection: Freedom in Christ.’ This theme was introduced on Sunday by the Revd Bianca Daébs (Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil).
The USPG Prayer Diary today (29 February 2024) invites us to pray in these words:
Thank you for our Salvation in Christ, and thank you Father, for the freedom we have in him.
The Collect:
Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The Post-Communion Prayer:
Almighty God,
you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves:
keep us both outwardly in our bodies,
and inwardly in our souls;
that we may be defended from all adversities
which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Additional Collect:
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yesterday’s Reflection: Saint Hilda of Whitby
Tomorrow: Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar
The story of Dives and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) has inspired great artists, and composers like Vaughan Williams
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition copyright © 1989, 1995, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org
Patrick Comerford
The Season of Lent began earlier this month on Ash Wednesday (14 February 2024), and this week began with the Second Sunday in Lent (Lent II, 25 February 2024).
Throughout Lent this year, I am taking time each morning to reflect on the lives of early, pre-Reformation English saints commemorated in Common Worship.
Before this day begins, I am taking some quiet time this morning for reflection, prayer and reading in these ways:
1, A reflection on an early, pre-Reformation English saint;
2, today’s Gospel reading;
3, a prayer from the USPG prayer diary.
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne depicted in a window in the baptistry in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Early English pre-Reformation saints: 16, Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne is commemorated in Common Worship on 20 March. He was probably born in the Scottish lowlands around the year 640. At the age of eight, a prophetic remark from a playmate turned his mind to sober and godly thoughts, and his upbringing as a shepherd gave him ample time for prayer.
One night, he saw a dazzling light in the sky and angels carrying a soul up to heaven, and resolved to dedicate his life to God. Some years later, Cuthbert came to Melrose Abbey asking to be admitted as a monk. From there, he began his missionary work, which he continued from Lindisfarne when he became abbot there.
He was consecrated bishop in 685. He remained an indefatigable traveller and preacher, walking all over his diocese, and spending time as a hermit on Farne Island in between.
After only a year, however, he felt his end coming and resigned his office. He died on Farne in the company of a few of his monks.
Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (right) in the Church of All Saints Pavement, York, with Saint Paulinus of York (centre) and Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (left) (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2022)
Luke 16: 19-31 (NRSVA):
[Jesus said:] 19 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” 25 But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” 27 He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house – 28 for I have five brothers – that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” 29 Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” 30 He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31 He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead”.’
The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) … a stained glass window in Saint Mary’s Church, Banbury, Oxford
Today’s Prayers (Thursday 29 February 2024):
The theme this week in ‘Pray With the World Church,’ the Prayer Diary of the Anglican mission agency USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel), is ‘Lent Reflection: Freedom in Christ.’ This theme was introduced on Sunday by the Revd Bianca Daébs (Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil).
The USPG Prayer Diary today (29 February 2024) invites us to pray in these words:
Thank you for our Salvation in Christ, and thank you Father, for the freedom we have in him.
The Collect:
Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The Post-Communion Prayer:
Almighty God,
you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves:
keep us both outwardly in our bodies,
and inwardly in our souls;
that we may be defended from all adversities
which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Additional Collect:
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yesterday’s Reflection: Saint Hilda of Whitby
Tomorrow: Benedict Biscop, Abbot of Wearmouth, Scholar
The story of Dives and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) has inspired great artists, and composers like Vaughan Williams
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition copyright © 1989, 1995, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org
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