Stained Glass Windows Appeal

Bishop Peter Moran presided at a Mass on Sunday 24 October 2010 during which the two new lancet windows on the south wall of St Mary’s were blessed. They were designed by Moira Malcolm of Rainbow Glass, from initial sketches by an artist from our own Parish, Margaret MacLennan. The windows were constructed and installed by the craftsmen of Rainbow Glass studios from Ayr. The lives of two of the holy ones, St Columba who first brought the Light of the Gospel to Inverness, and St John Ogilvie the Jesuit martyr who was born within our Diocese, near to Keith are commemorated.

The windows include patterns and flowers, shrubs and symbols associated with the remembrance of our departed loved ones. Parishioners and friends gave generously to commemorate their loved ones, whose names are inscribed on an “In Memoriam” plaque beneath the windows.

This has been a wonderful opportunity, not only to enhance our beautiful Church, but also to have a permanent focus for those whose memories are dear to us, and for whom we continually give thanks and pray.

It would not be prudent to embark too soon on planning further windows, but some have suggested that we consider a programme which would balance those double lancets that have as yet only one window in stained glass. That would mean two new windows in different lancet pairs. I look forward to hearing from anyone who has ideas to offer about possible new windows. Some have suggested a Polish saint, reflecting our strong Polish links and our sharing of priests, ministries and buildings. There have been suggestions of a Pope Benedict window, perhaps incorporating the Beatification of John Henry Newman. Those from the west might favour a St Mary MacKillop window!

Further donations can be made towards our “Windows Appeal” and cheques may be sent to me at the Parish Office, (made to “St Mary’s, Inverness no.2-Fabric-account”, and endorsed on the reverse “Windows Account”). Thanks be to God.

 

Father James Bell,

Parish PriestBottom of Form