PRESS RELEASE
19 FEBRUARY 2003
BISHOP MICHAEL SMITH TO DEDICATE
STAINED GLASS WINDOW
TO VICTIM OF TWIN TOWERS ATTACK
Issued by the Catholic Communications Office on behalf of the Diocese of Meath
On Friday 21st February 2003, Bishop Michael Smith will celebrate 7.30pm Mass in
Ballinlough Church, outside Kells, Co Meath, during which he will bless and dedicate
a stained glass window honouring Patrick Aranyos, who was killed in the Twin Towers
attack in New York on September 11th, 2001.
Patrick, aged 24, was the youngest son of Sandy and Winnie Aranyos and having graduated
from Boston College had taken his first job with Euro Traders on the 84th floor of the
second Tower at the World Trade Centre, New York. His mother Winnie, nee O’Reilly, is
a native of the Ballinlough area and is a first cousin of Bishop Smith. Having lived
in different countries because of work commitments, the Aranyos family now live in
Jupiter, Florida.
The window was commissioned by Patrick’s parents, and is the work of leading Irish stained
glass artist, George Walsh. Many family friends from the United States, Britain and Ireland
will attend the ceremony.
Patrick visited Ireland on many occasions with his family, especially during the late
1980’s when they lived in England. His grandparents and many relatives are buried in
the cemetery beside the Church. Ballinlough Church is in the parish of Kilksyre and was
built in 1828.
Ends
19 February 2003
Further information:
Fr Martin Clarke: 087 220 8044
Ms Brenda Drumm: 087 233 7797
