The iconological project of the Church of Saint Stephen in Cefalù aims to develop the vocation, ministry, and martyrdom of the protomartyr Stephen, in harmony with the biblical and liturgical texts of the Roman Missal, the Lectionary, and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Main elements of the project:
• Baptismal font: located at the entrance on the south side, derived from the current large holy water font. It symbolizes the generation of God’s children and recalls Psalm 2:7: “You are my son; today I have begotten you.”
• Ambo: positioned on the south side, diagonally aligned with the nave. It is represented by the figure of an angel, evoking the proclamation of the Gospel and the angelic face of Stephen (Acts 6:15). The wings will serve as a lectern; the scrolls will depict Stephen’s discourse and the Christian kerygma.
• Paschal candle: designed as a column of fire, placed next to the Gospel loggia, facing the assembly.
• Altar: quadrangular (120x100 cm), decorated with the motif of the palm crown (symbol of martyrdom). The four sides display theological themes:
– North: Nativity of Jesus
– East: Etimasia with Gospel Book
– South: Martyrdom of Stephen
– West: Deesis (Christ the Lamb, with Mary and Stephen in intercession).
• Eucharistic tabernacle: the ancient tabernacle of the post-Tridentine altar will be reused and enhanced, with later additions removed. The crucifix will be transformed into a processional cross to be placed next to the new altar.
• Presider’s chair: positioned on the north side of the presbytery, midway between the altar and the assembly, to express the mediating role of the celebrant.
• Confessional space: located in the southern apse chapel, near the Crucifix with the Virgin Mary. This simple space will house the presider’s seat and kneeler for confession, the relic of Saint Pio, and the repository for the holy oils.

Overall meaning
Each liturgical space is conceived as a theological icon of the life, martyrdom, and glory of Saint Stephen, in constant relation to the mystery of Christ and to the celebrating community. Together, they seek to restore symbolic unity and coherence to the church’s liturgy.