The Holy Oils
As a Cathedral church, St Peter's is the seat of the Bishop of Lancaster and the spiritual home of Catholics across the diocese. Here, each year, the Holy Oils are blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass, which takes place on Maundy Thursday.

There are three oils: the oil of catechumens, used on those approaching baptism; the oil of Chrism, used at baptism, confirmation, ordination and for the consecration of churches; and the oil of the sick, used for anointing those who are ill or close to death.

The oils blessed here are distributed throughout the diocese. The supplies are displayed within the Cathedral as a sign of their importance in the sacramental life of God's people.
Interpretation boards around the Cathedral help visitors to understand the building and its purpose
'Inspire', installed in 2006, is situated under the bell tower and includes a large exhibition case
The Cathedral's impressive 240ft spire is visible from many parts of Lancaster
The Cathedral features a number of unusual stained glass windows, such as this window depicting King Herod
The Holy Oils, used throughout the diocese of Lancaster in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and anointing of the sick
A touchscreen computer gives details of the Cathedral and the Catholic faith
King Henry VIII, depicted in a stained glass window in the north transept
On display: from left to right, the oils of catechumens, Chrism and the oil of the sick