St Peter and St Paul’s Church was filled to capacity with a congregation of 2000 for its re-dedication.The ceremony was also followed live on the internet by parishioners’ families in New York, Sydney and London.
Bishop Jim Moriarty, the priests of Portlaoise and neighbouring parishes, as well as ministers and pastors from other churches were present at the re-opening of the church following the €2 million revamp which took six months to complete.
“We are blessed with very big congregations here in Portlaoise, thank God. The reaction to the work was very very positive, the parishioners are proud of their parish church.
Many of those who attended the dedication of the church 43 years ago when it was built were also present on Sunday at its re-dedication. It has met with universal approval,” Fr John Byrne PP told ciNews.
The Bishop lauded the parish, saying that the re-dedication was not just a parish occasion but one for the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese given St Peter and St Paul’s is its largest church.
He also congratulated the parish on its Pride of Place award in Best Community Facility in Ireland category given for its parish centre (built just 3 years ago).
The church was closed while the renovation was underway and a school hall, sports hall, parish hall and hospital chapel were used to accommodate the parish activities.
“We are very grateful to all who accommodated us when the work that was being done,” said Fr Byrne.
The work involved a general renewal of the building including interior repairs and painting, lighting, heat and sound and maintenance on the roof, improvements to the entrance and a new outside paving.
Inside the sanctuary was relocated to a more central position with a modern chandelier measuring 17ft in diameter and with a drop of 23ft.
This brass and aluminum structure ‘focuses energy’ on the sanctuary area according to its designer Shane Holland, Co Meath.
The colourful stained glass cross at the entrance is the work of Eoin Turner, Cork. The Baptistery font was given new prominence and has a new Marian shrine as a backdrop. The statues of St Joseph and of Mary came from the old church and were given more prominent positions.
It was intended to relocate a mosaic of The Last Supper from the old church but this was not possible so artist Marie Conroy painted a new one.
The new Icon of St Peter and Paul is by Fr Luke Dingman, Eastern Orthodox Priest based in California, USA.
The task of fundraising for the church is ongoing but Fr Byrne says he was heartened by the support for the parish centre completed 3 years ago.
“We don’t worry about money, we leave that to the bank manager and God and both seem to provide,” he said.
Meanwhile this week it is back to business as usual for the church with several funerals, a bereavement mass, enrolment ceremonies of over 300 young people for confirmation, and the 100 strong gospel choir singing at 12.30 Mass on Sunday.
Then it will be into the busy Advent and Christmas season.
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(Source: CIN)