Loughrea St. Brendan's Cathedral. Two of St. Ita's Pupils, the Left One Being Brendan of Clonfert 1908

Sarah Purser, an Irish artist known for her role in the Irish Arts and Crafts movement, created this stained glass panel for St. Brendan's Cathedral in Loughrea. Here, two young pupils of St. Ita are depicted, the one on the left being Brendan of Clonfert. Purser’s choice to represent these figures as children taps into the rich tradition of Irish Christian art, while offering a fresh, intimate perspective. Consider the cultural moment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Ireland, marked by a revival of interest in Celtic heritage and spiritual identity. Purser, through her work, actively participated in this cultural renaissance, reclaiming and reimagining religious narratives. The delicate rendering of the children’s features invites empathy, offering a narrative that emphasizes tenderness and humanity within the sacred space. This window gently reframes traditional religious iconography through the lens of childhood innocence, resonating deeply with the viewer on a personal, emotional level.