Stained glass windows unveiled at abbey (From Gazette & Herald)

Stained glass windows unveiled at abbey

A SERIES of new stained glass windows at Ampleforth Abbey have been blessed by the abbot, the Rt Rev Timothy Wright.

The new stained glass windows were commissioned during the bicentenary year of the Benedictine abbey and community at Ampleforth.

Four more windows depicting the life of Our Lady by former Ampleforth student Patrick Reyntiens have been added to his existing Annunciation Window.

These depict the Immaculate Conception, the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Our Lady's Assumption into Heaven.

Mr Reyntiens, whose other works include the glass of Liverpool Catholic Cathedral and major commissions at home and abroad, is delighted to have been given a second commission at Ampleforth.

This latest work has been done with his son, John, whose works include the design and replacement of many of the windows at Windsor Castle following the fire of 1992.

Father Wright said the monastic community were enormously grateful for the donations and contributions which had made the windows possible.

He said: "The new windows are not just a sign of the tremendous affection that many people have for Ampleforth, but above all they provide an important focus for the prayer that is at the heart of the community.

"The colour and beauty of the windows invite us all to spend some time in prayer in the Lady Chapel, remembering she who said 'yes' to the will of God."

Updated: 13:32 Wednesday, April 16, 2003