by Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church in St. George's.

Regilded in May by Bishop Robert Kurtz, the chalice was originally presented in 1864 to the Garrison Chapel, St. George's by members of Her Majesty's 39th regiment .

Non-commissioned officers of that regiment, originally raised in Ireland, gave it to the then chaplain, Monsignor Virtue so it could be used in Catholic Mass at the chapel.

Rev. Bill LaFlamme of Stella Maris said: "This same priest, born in 1826, later became Bishop of England in 1882 and died in 1900.'' He added: "We understand that he had been a strong force for good during the Yellow Fever of 1864, helping wherever he could to ease the suffering of the people.'' According to Rev. LaFlamme further reminders of Yellow Fever are seen on the burial markers on the walls of St. Peter's Anglican Church and Monsignor Virtue's portrait is presently seen in the St. George's Armoury Centre, which is near the actual location of the then Garrison Chapel.

Now the chalice has its home at Stella Maris, as shiny and beautiful as it must have been on the day it was made.

Gilder's inscriptions include markings with a lion emblem, a woman's head, an anchor and the capital letter N.

Rev. LaFlamme said: "Its new gilding certainly presents a very fine impression and its history highlights the passage of time.'' He and Bishop Kurtz have requested information from local and international historians to find out some of the background of the chalice so that an account of its history can be written up.

Anyone with information or questions can call Rev. LaFlamme on 297-0512 and can reach him on e-mail on frbill y northrock.bm.