Paddy's+wigwam

//This is part of the Hangover city, Liverpool, uk setting// =Paddy's wigwam=

Or to give it its ‘official title’ the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of Christ the King is the home of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Constructed from concrete and aluminium and glass, it is a very modern looking building and stands in marked contrast to the classic brown stone of the Anglican cathedral. It was built in only 5 years after long delays and many redesigns, and has been plagued with problems since, including ‘concrete cancer’ which caused bits of the cladding to fall off. In the 1990s the lantern was rebuilt with stainless steel and plastic. The diocese is constantly fundraising for repairs and renovations.

Externally the building is an inverted white funnel with a stained glass lantern, but the building is at its most impressive inside. The huge open space is lined in white and grey marble and the alter is in the centre under the lantern so that mass is celebrated ‘in the round’. Hanging above the alter is a ‘crown of thorns’ lighting and sound rig insuring all attending can see and hear the proceedings. Around the edges are a number of alcoves providing side chapels for quiet prayer, some of which can be closed off to give privacy.

Beneath the cathedral is the crypt. Built from arches of brick and granite, and to the first design for a cathedral, this acts as a marked contrast to the open modern space above. The crypt is often used for ‘secular’ activities, including hosting Liverpool Annual Beer festival.

Also on the site is a small convent of nuns. The sisters are dedicated to the care of the people of the diocese and the upkeep of the cathedral. This last part of their job description and the ongoing issues with the fabric of the building beans they are perhaps the only nuns in the Uk who are equally skilled in mixing concrete and laying tiles as they are in counselling the sick. The convent has also been used as a convenient ‘holy ground’ place of safety for trouble souls.

Father MacKenzie works out of the building. He is 'aware' of the supernatural community in the city, though his take on them is a little different. Still he has a good heart and feels all souls can be saved, given time and the power of God.