Divine Illumination: Centenary of the Oratory of the Sacred Heart, Dún Laoghaire
Online
Exhibitions
The Oratory of the Sacred Heart was built on the grounds of St. Mary's Dominican Convent and dedicated to the Sacred Heart in 1919. The building commemorates the many local Irishmen who fought and died in the Great War. From 1920-1936, it was hand-painted by Sister Concepta Lynch, a Dominican nun at St. Mary's and the result is a stunning example of the Celtic Revival style. Stained glass windows were created by Harry Clarke Studios in Dublin. This exhibition tells the story of the Oratory.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown celebrated the Decade of Centenaries Programme in 2019 with this exhibition, a new book entitled Divine Illumination published by New Island Books (the first full-length account of this remarkable story), a redesigned exhibition and foyer at the Oratory on Library Road and an extensive series of workshops, talks and seminars.
Exhibition curated by David Gunning, dlr Archivist in Residence at dlr Libraries, Nigel Curtin, Local Studies Librarian and dlr LexIcon Librarian Marian Thérèse Keyes. Funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, dlr Libraries and dlr Heritage Office and supported by the Dominican Sisters, Cabra and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Enjoy two videos about the Oratory of the Sacred Heart. The first video gives an overview of the Oratory and an account of the events held to celebrate the centenary in 2019 and the second video showcases the finale event, a mural painted in the grounds of the Oratory by 6th class Dominican Primary School Dún Laoghaire with artist Mags Harnett:
See also here for a virtual tour of the Oratory. This excellent resource was prepared by dlr Heritage Office.