STAINED glass windows celebrating Ampleforth Abbey's bi-centenary have been unveiled.

Four more windows depicting the life of Our Lady by former Ampleforth student Patrick Reyntiens have been added to his existing Annunciation window.

The works were commissioned to celebrate the 200 years of the Benedictine abbey and community.

Abbot Timothy Wright said the monastic community were enormously grateful for the donations and contributions which had made the windows possible.

"The new windows are not just a sign of the tremendous affection that many people have for Ampleforth, but above all they provide an important focus for the prayer that is at the heart of the community," he said.

"The colour and beauty of the windows invite us all to spend some time in prayer in the Lady Chapel, remembering she who said 'yes' to the will of God."

They depict The Immaculate Conception, The Wedding Feast at Cana, The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Our Lady's Assumption into Heaven.

Mr Reyntiens, whose other works include the glass of Liverpool Catholic Cathedral and major commissions at home and abroad, said he was delighted to have had a second commission at Ampleforth.

The latest work has been done with his son, John, whose works include the design and replacement of many of the windows at Windsor Castle following the fire of 1992.

Updated: 09:57 Thursday, April 17, 2003