Historic Stained Glass
The stained glass windows that feature in our front office are beautiful works of art that carry significant historical and spiritual value. These windows, carefully preserved from the old building, serve as a tangible link to the school's rich Catholic heritage dating back to 1889.
Historical Significance
The windows were installed in St Raphael's Church, Parkside, across different phases:
- The window was presented by the Children of Mary and unveiled and blessed by His Grace the Archbishop. This event included a solemn High Mass where St Raphael's choir sang "Gruber's Mass" for the first time in Australia in 1909.
- In March 1911, more windows were unveiled, one donated by the nurses at the Hospital for the Insane and another by an anonymous donor. At this ceremony, Rev. Father Francis, C.P., delivered an eloquent sermon, focusing on the lives of Saints Patrick and Brigid.
- In April 1913, another stained glass piece was unveiled by the Very Rev. Father Edwards, O.P. and provided by St Raphael's Young Men's Society.
- There are then records of the stained glass windows being installed in the new convent building in 1922, that stood on the now site of St Raphael's School.
Artistic and Spiritual Value
These meticulously crafted windows depict various religious figures, including:
St Raphael, the Archangel
The Venerable Gabriel, Passionist
The Immaculate Conception
St Joseph
The Sacred Heart
St Paul of the Cross
St Patrick
St Brigid
The windows were created by the skilled artists at H. L. Vosz, Limited, under the direction of Mr. J. F. Williams.
Preservation and Reinstallation
The school has shown great care and respect for its history by carefully removing these windows from the old buildings and reinstalling them with patience and love into the new facilities. This process ensures that the spiritual and historical significance of these artworks continues to inspire and educate future generations of students.
Long-Standing Commitment to Education
By incorporating these stained glass windows into its new front office, St Raphael's School has created a powerful visual reminder of its Catholic faith and its long-standing commitment to education, which began with its founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1889.