EARLY MORNING STAINED GLASS, IRELAND

Early one morning last week while praying in the church at Gormanstown where our Provincial Chapter was occurring I looked up and saw this. I just couldn't resist a photo. Doesn't do it justice.

STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, HALSTON STREET, DUBLIN.

The above stained glass window is from St. Michan's Church, Halston St. Dublin and was taken by Br. Richard Hendrick OFM Cap. St. Michan's is Dublin's oldest parish. Truly beautiful. The photos can be viewed here.

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, ANNAGH, BELTURBET, CO. CAVAN

I was at a funeral in Belturbet, Co. Cavan today. The deceased, Frank Maguire, was the 96 year old father of one of my colleagues in the school. I also know three of his grandchildren. Please keep his soul and his family in your prayers. While there I grabbed two, unfortunately blurry, pics of the church interior. They don't do it justice. Unfortunately my batteries died (an all too regular occurrence!)

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.