Holycross Abbey Shrine South Panel

3D Model

Holycross Abbey (TN047-030001-) on the west bank of the River Suir, Co. Tipperary. A Cistercian abbey founded in 1180. According to architectural historian, Roger Stalley, the late 12th-century ‘pilgrimage church’ of Holycross was rebuilt c. 1431 & the cloister c. 1450. The shrine was possibly built for the display & veneration of the relic of the true cross. Beautifully carved opposing birds within ogee-headed arches on the southern side of the shrine which is profusely decorated with the vine-leaf motif and opposing animal imagery which may represent salvation through belief in Christianity. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15: 1-5)