Despite its only recent consecration, the Cathedral was built between 1879 and 1884, and through its links to Island culture, has a wealth of history and knowledge that can be shared and enjoyed by the community.
St German of Man (Noo Carmane AspickVannin)
Noo Carmane AspickVannin, or St German of Man, was a Celtic missionary and holy man who lived from about 410 to 474. St German’s day is celebrated here on 13 July, where we remember him as our first Bishop and patron of our Cathedral.
Though sometimes confused with his near contemporary, St Germaine of Auxerre, St German of Man is part of the Celtic rather than Roman Christian tradition. His name is found in various ancient sources, for example, the writings of the 11th century monk Jocelyn, the Acts of Kieran, and those of other early Irish saints. It appears that St German was appointed as Bishop here by St Patrick. A seventeenth century ballad, Mannanan Beg Mac y Lir, confirms the honour paid to St German locally as a wonderworker and Christian founder and tells us that he founded many keeills across the length and breadth of the Isle of Man. It also reports that the saint died before his work on Man was completed.
The Icon of St German
The icon presents St German as the travelling monk he was, and of characteristic Celtic appearance, with fair skin, red hair and green eyes. His head is shaved from ear to ear in the fashion of the Celtic church. He wears a hooded cloak, and over his shoulders the pallium denotes his status as Bishop. The Celtic cross is raised in his right hand; a sign of authority and blessing. In his left hand he holds a depiction of the present-day Cathedral, which carries on the work he began over 1,500 years ago. St German gazes unflinchingly and compassionately, seeming to challenge us with his unfinished mission.
But an icon of a saint is never just a historical portrait. Contemplating an icon is a spiritual rather than an aesthetic event. The aim is to show the image of God which the saint revealed in his or her life – the hidden person of the heart. So it is that the true icon is always a call for conversion, an invitation to a process where we are all transformed into the same glorious image.
Cathedral Isle of Man has two prayers used to remember the work of St German:
Prayer:
Blessed German who toiled untiringly,
and in whose right hand is the sign of the most holy passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Give us strength to spread the faith,
and grant us unswerving commitment to holiness,
so that, like you, we may build up your Church on this island,
and lead all people to your glory.
Prayer:
Holy Father,
We give you thanks for Bishop German,
who toiled untiringly to spread the faith and to save souls.
Grant us his unswerving commitment to holiness
so that, like him, we may build up your Church on this island
and lead all people to your glory.
We ask this through the intercessions of your only Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the prayers of our patron St German.
