Community members recently gathered at the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Holy Spirit Chapel in Fremantle for a special rededication of the chapel’s baptismal font, in memory of Ciara Glennon.
The baptismal font was originally created in memory of Ciara, the 27-year-old who was tragically murdered in 1997.
Her parents, Denis and Una Glennon, were regular worshippers at the Holy Spirit Chapel in the years following her death, drawing strength from the Notre Dame community during a time of profound grief.
Addressing those present at the rededication, Denis Glennon reflected on his family’s early days in the chapel.
“I remember attending many Masses here 28 years ago,” he said.
“Kneeling on a pew with a heart broken by grief, trying to steady tears that would not be stilled. In those days, tears came more easily than words.”
The font was established as an expression of Christian hope – a declaration that life and grace endure even in the face of loss.
“Even in the darkest moments, our Christian story insists on life, renewal, and grace,” Denis said.
Over the years, the font became part of the Glennon family’s continuing story. Three of Denis’s grandchildren were baptised in it, transforming it into a place where remembrance and joy meet.
“It holds our grief and it also holds the joy of the new life that followed,” he said.
The font was recently restored with care by members of the Notre Dame community and supporters of the chapel. Denis described the work as more than a physical repair.
“Its restoration is a quiet symbol of resurrection, it reminds us that what has been damaged can be made whole again,” he said.
The Glennon family expressed heartfelt thanks to the Colgan family for leading the restoration, Ben Murphy for his craftsmanship and Jack Baker, whose vision ensured the font would be renewed with dignity and beauty worthy of the sacred space.
Appreciation was also extended to Notre Dame staff involved in the project and to Fr Eamonn Conway.
Denis said, Ciara’s memory was honoured not only by the restored font, but by the lives that would be touched here.
“Students, families and all who come seeking healing, courage, or a new beginning,” he said.
In the heart of the campus, the font continues its quiet work, reminding all who pass through the chapel that faith, compassion and hope remain central to the life of Notre Dame.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au