Nave Windows
The windows in the nave of Saint Benedict Church, installed in 1946 - (Special thanks to Rt. Rev. Paschal A. Morlino, O.S.B., Pastor, Saint Benedict, Baltimore, Maryland) and executed by Mr. Angelo Leopardo Pitassi, an artist and stained glass designer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, portray in stained glass the history and development of the Benedictine Order, from the time of Saint Benedict to the early years of the twentieth century. The narrative of the windows, presented through glass, color, and light itself, is a celebration of the Communion of Saints, and of the spiritual unity of the Catholic Church yesterday, today, and tomorrow, until the final consummation of time.
"The art glass creates that subdued light which calms the turbulence of mankind, shuts out the glamor of the world, leaving the soul at rest, free to commune with its Maker. The antique glass paints the atmosphere, as the glory of God’s sunlight trickles through, sending darts of many rich colors, scintillating and dancing prismatically through the building; decorating the wall, the floor, the pulpit, or the clothing of the kneelers; ever changing, ever varying, as the sun moves with the time of day; an artist ever present, transforming the scenes, the colors, the lights and shadows, from morning until noon and into the dusk of evening, always speaking of the glory of God, and bringing to life at all hours of day dead materials which have been constructed into form."
(Saint Benedict Booklet, The Stained Glass Windows at Saint Benedict's Church,1946, cover shown)
The links to the right show each window in its entirety and each saint or bishop, in detail, symbolically portrayed.
Introductory Pages to the Stained Glass Windows Booklet (Windows in the nave)
Sanctuary Windows
The seven windows surrounding the high altar represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Installation was completed just days before the dedication of Saint Benedict Church in 1929. (Special thanks to Rt. Rev. Paschal A. Morlino, O.S.B., Pastor, Saint Benedict, Baltimore, Maryland.)
Rose Windows
The rose windows represent sunbursts of color and light. An image of Christ the King graces the center of the large rose window in the choir loft
Transom Windows
Transom windows, half windows located over the doors, contain scenes pertaining to the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Baptistery Windows
The three windows in the Baptistery depict Adam and Eve being cast from the Garden of Eden, the Baptism of Christ by Saint John the Baptist, and the resurrected Christ.
Stained Glass over The Blessed Virgin
and Saint Joseph Altars
Roses and liles are the symbolic centers of the windows over these two altars.
Stained Glass over the Sacred Heart
and Saint Scholastica Altars
The vividly colored small round window over the Christ the King altar depicts the Apparition of Jesus, the Sacred Heart, to Saint Margaret Mary. Over the Saint Scholastica altar, the death of the saint, twin sister of Saint Benedict, is portrayed in the glass treasure.
Vestibule Windows
The stained glass treasures in the vestibule cast an azure-colored hue depending on the changing rays of the sun. The images are of Benedictine saints. Saints Maurus and Placidus were among the earliest disciples of Saint Benedict. Saint Walborga was an eighth-century Benedictine missionary who worked iwith her brothers and uncle, Saint Boniface, to evangelize Germany. Saint Hildegard von Bingen was an eleventh centry abess and philosopher who left the church numerous books and musical compositions.
|