Statues around the church

The Pelican was adopted as a symbol of the Eucharist, because Christ states in the Gospel of John that he feeds the faithful with His own body and blood.
St Anthony of Padua
There are two angels are bowing down with their wings extended. The angels are facing each other, so their wings stretch across the space between them, meeting in the middle. Their wings provide the throne for God.
Mary, The Immaculate Conception
St Joseph

Improvements for the 25th anniversary

Dundee Courier – Monday 11th September 1882

During the past few weeks a portion of the interior this specious edifice has been undergoing improvements calculated in a very appreciable degree to add to the aesthetic and imposing in its appearance. The sanctuary has been completely renovated and improved, and also decorated in astyle most appropriate to character.

The Lady Altar has been much improved, specially by being raked to greater altitude several feet, which will tender it more serviceable for daily worshippers. The decorations of this portion are very beautiful, whilst an exquisitely designed crown it. The altar of tbe Blessed Sacrament, placed in front the Lady Altar, and importing the sacred tabernacle, has been thoroughly renovated, and presents now a very pleasing appearance.

The old tabernacle has been superseded new one, on which are emblematic representations of faith and piety. The appearance of the walls of the sanctuary have been vastly improved their being plastered in cement, over which decorations have been frescoed in style that harmonises finely with the whole surroundings.

Statues of St Dominic and St Francis are placed on elegant pedestals at either side of the entrance to the sanctuary.

The painting work was entrusted to Messrs Livie, Painters and Decorators, High Street, Lochee, who have executed their work In a manner highly creditable to themselves and most satisfactory to the congregation of St Mary’s.

The brass work was efficiently executed by Mr Johnston, Dundee. Yesterday special service were held the chapel in connection with the reopening of the sanctuary. The services were held in the forenoon and in the evening, and were of remarkably and imposing description. The Right Rev. Bishop Rigg. of Dunkeld, in the forenoon the services, assisted by several local and other clergymen. The Bishop consecrated the new sanctuary and also the statues of St Dominic and St Francis Assisi with full ceremonial, afterwards preaching Impulsive discourse on faith and piety.

NB – The statues of St Dominic and St Francis were removed at a later date