The first of twelve new stained glass windows has been installed in St Patrick’s parish church of Oulart, Co.Wexford. After a lengthy debate among parishioners, many of whom wanted to retain the existing windows, it was decided that 100-year old church would have newly designed windows as part of the commemoration of its centenary this year.
A local artist, John Cullen, was engaged to design the new windows and his abstract designs have drawn inspiration from the style of one of old window that is being retained.
Mr Cullen copied the border from existing windows and has included in all twelve, an image of the staff of Saint Patrick, after whom the church is named.
The new windows are, he said, “a lot more modern,” but he added that he was careful “not go too funky.” The remaining eleven new windows will be installed one at a time over the next few months.
Parish priest Fr John Jordan said he was delighted that the work was under way.
“When the whole lot is finished, it will transform the church - it will be absolutely vibrant with colour,” he remarked. Most of the new windows have been sponsored by families and individuals, Fr Jordan explained.
Meanwhile, the old pink-and-white windows in St Patrick’s are to be donated to a church in Kenya. They will be carefully preserved and shipped out to a parish run by a local Columban missionary, Fr Leo Staples.
A history of the church written by a priest who ministered for several years in the parish has also been published.
'The Centenary of St. Patrick's Church, Oulart, 1909 to 2009' by Canon Seamus De Val contains a foreword by Bishop Dennis Brennan and an introduction by Fr. Jordan.
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