Lumen Christi Published – October 2009

A masterpiece! A treasure! Inspiring and awesome! These are just some of the comments used to describe Lumen Christi, the book recently published by Mount Saint Joseph Abbey on the extensive array of stained glass windows in the monastery.

This sumptuous large hardback tells the story of each of the thirty-nine stained glass windows. It is packed full of lavish images and the highest quality photography to illustrate the rich text of Dom Laurence Walsh.

Between 2004 and 2006 a major restoration of the Church windows was carried out. The windows were then literally exposed to a fresh light that threw an array of colour into the Church, and once again the magnificence of the windows shone brightly. This provided the inspiration to share this beauty through this volume.

Dom Laurence has spent several years researching the windows. He shares his wide breadth of knowledge on the significance of each window's subject matter to the Cistercian community in Roscrea. Much detail is given to place these windows in their historical context, and this is enhanced by the numerous photos and illustrations throughout the volume.

The religious significance and meaning of each window is treated in depth by Dom Laurence. By exploring the artistic details he brings life to the windows' images. The reader can begin to appreciate the enormous detail that exists in each pane, and begin to gain an understanding of the symbolic significance of the images. Therefore while the religious context is the focus of the text, the historical and artistic background is also at the forefront.

Lumen Christi is a work of art. It is the story of stained glass in Ireland from the late 1800s, of the depth of meaning that can be achieved through this medium, and above all, it is the remarkable story of the treasures given to us all by the Cistercian monks of Roscrea.

Support for this book was received from the Heritage Council, Offaly County Council, and The Abbey Stained Glass Studios in Dublin.

Purchase Lumen Christi:

Click here to visit our Online Store

Lumen Christi can also be purchased directly from Mount Saint Joseph at a cost of €50 plus post and packaging.

Post and packaging rates:
Ireland €10
Great Britain & Europe €13
Outside of Europe €20

Payment can be accepted by credit card, cheque, bank draft or postal orders, made payable to Mount Saint Joseph Abbey.

Please forward your name, address and phone number/email address with payment, and Lumen Christi will be posted directly to you.

Photography by Sean Curtin & James Fraher.