A CATHEDRAL MYSTERY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 118, 16 February 1928, Page 10

A CATHEDRAL MYSTERY

There can be but few people to-day .who have not read or heard the story of the martyrdom of Thomas a’Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, which took place in the Cathedral in the month of December, 1170. Upon visitors being shown over the Cathedral the guide directs their attention to a pillar in the crypt of extraordinary girth, one. of many supporting the main fabric. Viewed from the south-west with sunlight or full day light penetrating the eerie gloom of the crypt through the plain glass windows, there gradually takes shape the head and massive features of a man apparently in the prime of life. The phenomena remains as one stands still and gazes at it, but take one step to approach + he pillar for a closer examination and the features fade away. A close investigation of the stonework reveals nothing to assist in clearing up the mystery. There remains the. pillar and dust on the stonework. Continuing the pilgrimage, one’s attention is directed to a large, life-size canvas of the Archbishop in the south transept. One glance at the head and features is stiffificient. Thev are the same. as appeared and disappeared on the pillar in the crvnt close to the place where the body of Becket was at first disposed. What is the portent?