A stained-glass window by Harry Clarke Studios, has been installed at the Church of St Mary of the Visitation, Killybegs.
The image of “God the Father” has been located above the altar dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, patron of the parish of Killybegs, and was formally unveiled by local woman, Anne Kinsella, at a special evening Mass to mark St Catherine’s Day yesterday.
The window, with an estimated value “in the region of €10,000”, was originally made in the 1960s for a church in New Zealand but, for some reason, never delivered there. It was on view at All Hallowes College, Drumcondra, for many years until it was purchased at public auction by Eugene Collins, Downings, on behalf of Killybegs Parish in July 2015.
A special frame for the window was constructed by local craftsman, Shaun Doherty, and back-lighting installed by electrical contractor, Michael Gallagher.
Fr Colm Ó Galchóir PP, speaking at the special Mass, which he concelebrated with Fr Charlie Byrne, Annagry, said that the window was like the last piece of the jig-saw in the newly-restored church.
Explained Fr Colm: “Harry Clarke (1889-1931) was Ireland’s greatest stained-glass artist. The Harry Clarke Studios remained in business until 1973. This striking, cosmic figure of God the Father will be a worthy addition to our church, complementing the Holy Family Painting above Our Lady’s Altar.”
Two other stained glass windows will be unveiled in the Adoration Room at St Mary’s church shortly.
The stained glass titled ‘God the Father’. Image source: sales.fonsiemealy.ie