GUYANA
After one year of restoration work, the massive stained-glass windows depicting the Ascension of Christ were formally blessed and unveiled at the Church of the Ascension, New Amsterdam, at a morning celebration January 14.
The prized 90-year-old, stained-glass windows, said to be one of the largest in the Caribbean were removed, packed into crates and shipped to ArisArt, Miami for cleaning and restoration operations, in January 2017.
Bishop Francis Alleyne of Georgetown presided over the celebration and was ably assisted by acting parish priest Fr Tony D’Souza SJ and Fr Britto Arokium SJ.
Catholic Standard reported that the bishop incensed the window, did the rite of blessing and sprinkled holy water.
The Mendez family, which provided most of the funds to cover the cost of the undertaking, was present to see the project come to such a successful end. The parish also solicited donations from generous individuals and the Windows Committee oversaw the activity.
“It was a huge achievement, especially for former parish priest Fr Michael Traher SFM who couldn’t make it for the celebration but who was thanked by the family during remarks after the Mass,” the publication said.
June Mendez addressed the congregation acknowledging that Fr ‘Mike’ had been outstanding. “And I can’t [begin] to tell you the amount of work he did. He supervised everything and gave of his time,” she said.
In his address, the bishop reminded the faithful of how central art is to the Catholic Church. He delved into how artists through the ages have been endowed with great gifts to create lovely works as those like the windows of the Ascension.
The grand celebration commenced with brunch served under the presbytery.