Stain Glass – Fr Paul Harrison' Blog.

St Henry king of Germany

Today is the optional feast of St Henry. His biography can be found here

The window was actually erected and donated in memory of Henry McAleer, the first Catholic mayor of Workington. Henry was an Irish immigrant to Workington, but, unlike many of his fellow countrymen, he was a businessman. He was a boot and shoe maker. He was elected mayor but sadly died in office in 1906. The window was donated by Workington Town council in his memory. The coat of arms at the bottom of the window is that of Workington.

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Crucifixition02 — Crucifixion window in Our Lady& St Michael’s

This stain glass window is in a side chapel on the north side of the Church. It was was commissioned by Abbot Cuthbert Clifton OSB who was here as parish priest from the 1850’s until his death in 1891. This is a traditional scene, with Our Lady on the left and St John on the right. In fact the inspiration for this is the 19th chapter of St John’s gospel, part of which was read at today’s Mass of the Sacred Heart. A centurion pierces the side of Jesus with a lance and we are told blood and water flowed. This has led to a rich theology. On this feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus we are reminded that life and grace flow as from a fountain or springs, but it is inexhaustable, neither stopping nor drying up.