Archives Report
At our most recent reunion, last Saturday, the students from 1983 were at times perplexed at the many changes that have occurred here at Kilbreda in the 40 years since they left. The change which most affects them and many others like them, is on entry to St Brigid’s Chapel. I’m not sure how many times I’ve heard the exclamation “What happened to the Chapel?” at reunions over the years.
Interestingly, for me anyway, our current Chapel is a much more inviting, prayerful and intimate space than it ever has been. Formerly quite cold with green tiled floor and hard wooden pews, some of which still exist on the Colonnade, it always seemed quite stark to me. The stained glass panels were fairly ordinary and still are. But, thanks to the addition of Sr Reba’s beautiful window nearly 20 years ago, the feel has changed. The carpet and comfortable chairs also make it a much more restful experience, in my opinion.
The old confessional boxes have long gone, some repurposed in my garden as walls and paths and the choir loft has become ‘Heaven’ (offices) to the staff who now occupy that space. At least one of their group, Lorraine McGann, was married there, as were a couple of staff members. I was spoilt by the magnificent chapel at St Bede’s College, which still has a modern feel, despite being only a handful of years younger than ours.
Damian Smith
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