CHINESE CHASUBLE IN IRELAND

In 1943 a Chinese priest came to Ireland, to St. Columban's in Dalgan Co. Meath to learn English. He struck up a friendship with the Mercy Sisters in nearby Navan and when he returned to China he had a set of vestments made and sent to them. On September 7th 1951 he was arrested and imprisoned by the Communists. On January 30th 1953 he died from pleurisy in a Shanghai jail another martyr for the Faith.
I think both the life, the sacrifice and the chasuble from the set (on display in Dalgan) are beautiful.

Below is the Chasuble:


A closer look:

I was back with Fifth year students in the Columban mother house in Dalgan Co. Meath and took these photos of their stained glass outside the chapel. They look like they may be by Harry Clarke or his studio.

ST. LAWRENCE O'TOOLE, ROUNDWOOD CO. WICKLOW

I officiated at the marriage of a lovely young couple on Saturday in St. Lawrence O'Toole's, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. The day was cold but all went well. Roundwood is reputedly the highest village in Ireland and they have a lovely church. The statues and stations have recently been restored by two painters, one an Irish art student and the other an Argentinian parishionner. They've done a good job. A parishioner told me the original reredos was removed many years ago and it was a loss to the sanctuary which now lacks something. Otherwise its a beautiful, simple church.

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN

I have been into Christchurch Cathedral twice in the last two weeks to see the exhibition of icons by Ludmila Pawlowska. The icons are beautiful but her modern art did nothing for me. Christchurch is surprisingly small inside. Originally, of course, it was Catholic and then the Reformation (or 'revolution') occurred and it became Anglican. Interestingly they retain the altar rails and a rood screen separating the nave from the choir. It's a beautiful church and well kept (entry is €6 for an adult). While there I heard a concert given by the Riverside City College Chamber Choir of California (director John Byun). They were very good though I was disappointed that there were no pieces by Irish composers.

The beautiful font reminds us of our unity in this sacrament. Thanks to the decision of Pope Sylvester that the Roman tradition of accepting the baptism of heretics and schismatics once they used the correct formula kept the door open for modern efforts to restore the unity of the Church. I feel whenever I am in such a church that I am walking on ground that has been usurped and feel I should quietly ask 'when are you going to give it back?'

My photo of the pulpit without flash was too blurred but the flash, while giving clarity, flattens the picture. This is a fine piece of work but I don't know how hold it is.

So if you happen to be in Dublin take some time and pay a visit.

ALTAR OF ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS

This is the altar of St. Mary of the Angels, Church St., and it shows the Blessed Virgin presenting St. Francis to Christ.

ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS, CHURCH ST., DUBLIN

Last night the Catholic Underground group came to Chruch St., Dublin and I took it as a good opportunity to show you our church there. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

MOSAIC FLOOR, DALGAN

Above is the mosaic floor of the entrance hall of the Columban Motherhouse. "Euntes docetes omnes gentes" are the words of our Lord and mean 'Go teach all nations' an injunction that the Columbans have taken to heart. The 'P' and 'X' in the middle is the Chi-Rho symbol taken from the first two letters of 'Christ' in Greek and it symbolises not only His name but His kingdom too. In the corners one can see the shields of two of Ireland's four provinces, Ulster on the left and Leinster on the right. The shield of Ulster has the Red Hand of the O'Neills, hereditary Kings of Ulster on the Red Cross on a gold banner of the de Burgos. The Leinster shield has the Irish harp on a Green field. The Irish President's banner is a golden harp with silver strings on an azure field. Of the other two provinces Connacht has a blue and white field with an arm holding a sword united to half an eagle (said to symbolize the unity of Old English and Gael) while Munster has three gold crowns on an azure field (symbolizing its three greatest lordships). I point this floor our to our students when we bring them to Dalgan. A little beauty ennobles the soul.