Donation brightens Divine Providence Parish in Westchester

WESTCHESTER – Just in time for the Christmas season, Divine Providence Parish in Westchester debuted a gift that has brought colorful light and meaningful symbols to a section of the church that was drab and plain. Twelve new stained glass windows are now adorning the north side of the church, thanks to George Zanoni bequeathing part of his estate to the church in his will.

“George was a parishioner who was bigger than life itself – big smile, outgoing personality, loved everyone, used to play Santa Claus at the Westchester Park District. He was head usher at Saturday Mass and would know everyone’s name, shake hands with all the kids,” said Charlene Boyd, business manager for Divine Providence Parish and School, which has 1,400 registered families.

Boyd said the substantial donation covered the entire cost for 12 stained glass windows that transformed a building of stark, gray walls to one that more closely resembles traditional, ornate Catholic churches.

“Father [Timothy Fiala] was looking for something that would last for generations and would add to the church, enhance the experience. George would have been so pleased to see those windows at church. It’s so poignant tying it all together with George’s love of the Christmas season,” Boyd said.

She noted Zanoni orchestrated a long-standing holiday tradition to line the trees along Becket Avenue in Westchester with such spectacular lights that busloads of onlookers would drive down the street to see the decorations.

The process to beautify the windows of the church took about six months and was just completed days before Christmas, the most crowded time of the year for Mass. Rev. Fiala chose to honor 12 saints – Mary, the mother of Jesus, and 11 of the 12 disciples, excluding Judas Iscariot, described as betraying Jesus in the Bible.

“The highest windows are of the Blessed Mother flanked on each side by St. Peter, the first pope, and St. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved and the one who took care of Mary after the crucifixion. The other Apostles descend from those three. Each of them has symbols indicating the identity of the portrait,” Fiala said in a letter to parishioners distributed on Christmas weekend.

Fiala was actively involved in collaborating with artists David Condon and his wife, Gail Sellers, on the designs, which range from abstract to realistic, and color palette, which mimics the one original stained glass on a round window in the church. Condon started Colorsmith Stained Glass Studio in Riverside nearly 40 years ago.

“My initial reaction was that they were stunning,” said Linda Hawkins, director of marketing for the parish and school. “I have seen the process take place on paper and knew the pieces would be gorgeous, but when I saw the natural light reflecting from outside, it took the windows to an entirely new level. You can see the detail in their faces, the beauty of the halo and background pieces. It changed the look of church.”

The lasting legacy may ensure Zanoni is not forgotten.

“You can remember George and [his wife] Carolyn each time you look at the beautiful stained glass window,” Fiala said in his letter. “George was a very active volunteer in the community. George’s commitment to the parish was unparalleled.”

Fiala will have a blessing of the windows at 10:30 a.m. Mass on Jan. 22.