St Helens, Church of St Mary Immaculate

Title: 'Sisters of Mercy'

Date: 2010

Design by: Roy W. Coomber

Size of each light: 476mm x 2207mm

Description: The design depicts three elements of the work of the Sisters of Mercy;

Education is shown in the left hand light by a Sister holding a book and teaching primary school children. The sisters' work with the sick, elderly and housebound, illustrated in the right hand light by a sick woman in a wheelchair being attended to by a Sister, and an elderly man being helped. The third element is the spiritual guidance and organisation of the Sisters. This is indicated by the Sister portrayed at the bottom of the central light who is seeking guidance in prayer prior to carrying out her duties to others in the community.

Because the Church is dedicated to St Mary Immaculate an image of Mary has been placed in a central position with her traditional symbols of lilies and roses on either side. The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of nuns dedicated to serving others, with a special concern for those in need. The order founded in 1831 first came to St Helens in 1893.