Historical information

The Lay Reader David Conolly was associated with the Mission for many years in particular working with trainee cadets and RAN Officers.

Physical description

Painted wood crucifix on a very thin backing support of hardboard. Style of the painting is that of icon artist of Russian/Greek/Byzantine style. An inscription on the reverse. Small steel hanging hook at top edge on reverse. The edges of the icon are painted red and the whole depiction is decorated with much gilding. The whole support is in the form of a t-shaped cross. The top section depicts a risen Christ at the centre surrounded by ten disciples or saints and the hand of God appears to be at the upper central edge. The Christ figure is flanked on the main cross piece by five archangels and Saint Peter. Flanking the torso of the crucified figure appear to be Maria and St Joan and on the right side Mary Magdalen, Mark (Saint?) and a centurion figure. Three small figures also featured in this section. At the lower right corner are two haloed male figures (unidentified).

Inscriptions & markings

Front; above haloed head of the crucified figure U.C.; IHSNAZARE in gold on a red ground/ REXIVDEORV. Beneath the central panel again gold on red SEASIOANNES AND MARIA. On the other side of the central figure; MARIAMARK CENTURIU/ MAGDALEN...IACO/ BI.
Hand-written inscription on reverse; "For/ all who enter/ this sacred space./ The gift of/ David Conolly/ sometime stipendiary Lay Reader/ in the Mission/ 1956-1958.