ADDRESS:
Assumption
Grammar School
24 Belfast Road
Ballynahinch
Co Down
BT24 8EA TELEPHONE:
(028) 97562250 FAX:
(028) 97565341
admin@assumption
.ballynahinch.ni.sch.uk
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Oratory Dedication - January 2012
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Oratory Dedication - January 2012
An historic and momentous occasion was celebrated in Assumption Grammar School on Wednesday 25 January. On this day the school’s new and replacement oratory was opened and dedicated by Bishop John McAreavey with Father Patrick Murray, the School Chaplain, concelebrating and Father John Byrne acting as Master of Ceremonies. Present for the celebration were representatives of the Trustees, Board of governors, staff, pupils, parents, fundraisers, tradesmen and the Past Pupil Committee.
School Principal Mr Paul McBride said, ”The journey to this day has been a long one but it has been worth waiting on, considering the careful planning and high quality work which have gone into this project. We can now feel satisfied that once again, after eight long years, we have a magnificent place of worship, prayer, reflection and silence for our school community. It is no accident that our new oratory is positioned at the highest and most central part of the new school building. The school building now feels complete.” Mr McBride said that if all those who contributed to the oratory fund were to be present then a cathedral would needed to have been built to house them, and he hoped that a fuller appreciation could be given at the official school opening on 4 May.
Mr McBride also paid tribute to the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption, “Central to this whole concept and reality are, of course, the Sisters who have not only contributed the beautiful tabernacle and the stained glass from the old chapel, but they have been at our side every step of the way, through the planning, and guiding us at all levels. We are so grateful to them.”
What is also unique about Assumption’s project is that the school and local community has been heavily involved in the design and work carried out in the oratory. The craftsmen, joiners, electricians, plasterers, tilers and decorators are local tradesman and/or connected to the school in some way. The altar furniture was designed by the Head of Art, Peter McCann with the RE Department leading developments at every stage, ensuring that every detail was catered for. Mr McBride likened the Oratory Team to an orchestra, “The members of this team, and in particular, Sisters Ursula and Maureen, came to rehearse more frequently and intensely as we moved towards the final performance. Each member of the team/orchestra was able to offer his or her own interpretation of the piece, demonstrating true non patronising leadership, and coming up with an overall unique interpretation leading to a superb performance which is the oratory itself.”
Click here to view a gallery of photographs.
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