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INTRODUCTION
To celebrate the advent of a third millennium of Christianity, marking as it does, the birth of Christ two thousand years ago, St. Nathy’s College has undertaken the refurbishment of the present College Oratory and Prayer Room as its Millennium Project (see below for a picture). It is hoped, that with the continued generous assistance of its past pupils, benefactors and growing circle of friends, the College will be in a position to undertake this refurbishment and have it completed in time to mark the new millennium. It is now possible, thanks to our College Website, to appeal to our past pupils and extended friends throughout the world to support our worthy undertaking
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The present College Oratory was built in 1957. Prior to this, the College had used the existing Classroom 9A as an oratory – referred to then as "Top Oratory". However, at the end of the forties and into the fifties, student enrolment gradually increased (especially in the case of boarders) and the need for bigger accommodation emerged. The then President, Canon Curneen (President 1938-1948), in an effort to gain additional space, transferred the location of the College Oratory from the "Top Oratory" location to a larger room that had functioned at that time as a Science Hall and located on the ground floor. "Top Oratory" was then used by the clerical staff to celebrate private Masses at side altars. Later the "Top Oratory" and a small dormitory opposite (then referred to as "Top Small" and now known as Computer Room 8A) had their functions switched. In an effort to provide still extra accommodation, Canon James Colleran (President 1948-1955) proposed building a new oratory on the ground floor, and converting the existing College Oratory into two classrooms as well as restoring the "Top Oratory" as a student dormitory. In an effort to gain diocesan financial support, this proposal was put to the priests of the diocese at their annual diocesan retreat in the College in the Marian Year of 1954. The project was agreed and undertaken. There was a very generous response to a diocesan collection in all the parishes for the New Chapel. Architects Noel R. De Chenu and John E. O’Reilly designed an Oratory with accommodation for approximately 220 students and a cloister where the growing number of clerical staff could celebrate private Masses. Padraig Mulcahy, Merrion Square Dublin, prepared the bill of quantities. Kelly and Sons (Builders) Westport completed the building in 1957 under the Presidency of Fr. John Walsh. One detail worthy of note in the new College Oratory were the Stations of the Cross designed in oak by the Walkinstown artist John Haugh. The main altar was dedicated to the memory of Canon Hugh O’Donnell who had been president from 1911 to 1920. The seating (pews) were supplied by O’hUigin Teoranta, Galway. To the present day the oratory remains as it had been built in 1957 with minor alterations to accommodate the liturgical changes brought about in the sixties after Vatican II. With a decrease in the number of clerical staff, the cloister was partitioned and made into a prayer room and separate single side altar.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The costs of refurbishing the existing Oratory and Prayer Room are, indeed, minor in comparison to the costs which would be involved in building similar existing facilities. It is hoped that donations could be made to help with the purchase of items of refurbishment which are now necessary. It could, indeed, be an ideal opportunity in which to remember a loved one by sponsoring an item and having a name inscribed if necessary. The following are just some of the items which could be partly or fully sponsored in this manner:
PRESENT STUDENTS & STAFF It is also hoped to record on a plaque the names of the pupils and staff registered with the College on the date of January 1st 2000. This plaque will be located in the Oratory and will serve as an historical record for future generations.
DONATIONS / PLEDGES / SPONSORSHIP If you would like to contribute to this project, please go to the "Contact" page for our address, phone, fax and email. Thank you for taking time to visit our Appeal Page and enjoy the rest of the site!
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