Prayer drawn in light
Our Lady of Grace’s stained-glass windows were created 75 years ago by famed Italian-Canadian artist Guido Nincheri to depict different titles of the Blessed Mother from the Litany of Loreto. (Photos provided and by Sean Farlow) GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro is known for its beauty. Stepping into the quiet sanctuary from the rush of Market Street feels like entering a hidden garden of light and color. Italian white marble glows, ornately carved woodwork shines and a custom mosaic sparkles.
The stars of this hymn to Our Lady in architecture are 14 stained-glass windows, alive with deep jewel tones and sunlight. Below them, a series of smaller windows captures symbolic representations of Our Lady’s titles. To ensure that their beauty endures, the parish is launching a fundraising drive to complete maintenance and repair to these delicate works of art.
The church’s windows were created by famed Italian-Canadian artist Guido Nincheri. He designed each window to depict a different title of Mary from the Litany of Loreto. He interpreted these titles using Biblical images, stories from Church history (such as the Battle of Lepanto’s connection to Our Lady of the Rosary) and cultural references.
“The windows give a sense of being immersed in Our Lady’s loving presence and wrapped by her maternal care and protection,” said Father Casey Coleman, the parish’s pastor. “When the sunlight penetrates, there is just so much depth to the windows. The mystery of faith they articulate is magnified literally by the colors penetrated by the light.”
Nincheri set high standards for materials, shipping 30,000 pieces of deeply hued glass from Belgium during the tumultuous years of World War II. He designed the images, supervised their creation and then painted their emotive faces. The completed windows were installed for the 1952 dedication of the church.
Parishioner Barbara Manson was intrigued with the art she saw as she sang in the choir loft. As she examined their expressive faces, she realized “these windows are portraits.” Her fascination led her to travel to Canada to study Nincheri’s art. She collaborated with his grandson, Rodger Nincheri, until he recently passed away while she was leading a project to collect information about Our Lady of Grace’s windows.
Unfortunately, stained-glass windows are as fragile as they are beautiful. Over time, the lead that joins the panes of glass can soften and warp. Stained glass is particularly vulnerable to the harsh southern sun and summer heat. Without maintenance, the windows can bow and break. A recent analysis found the beginnings of this deterioration, so the parish has gathered a committee to raise awareness and funds to care for its artistic treasures.
Rebekah Zomburg is leading the effort. She and her husband, John Zomburg, have loved the windows since pointing their symbols out to their children to engage their minds. As the
Catechism states, “genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer and to the love of God” (CCC 2502). Many parishioners echo this idea when they speak of their beloved images.
“My hope is that, as the community comes together, we are given a greater opportunity to focus and experience the windows in a new way,” Father Coleman said. “I hope this opportunity will help us to internalize the mystery and beauty of the windows and strive to preserve them not only in material fact but by conveying their spiritual meaning with family and friends.”
The parish is creating an opportunity to learn more about the meaning of the windows and their creator. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Starmount Country Club in Greensboro, parishioners and friends can attend a Stained Glass Gala. The hope is to complete the restoration for the 75th anniversary of the windows’ dedication in September 2027.
— Kelly J. Henson
More online
At www.bit.ly/4uF1Sku: Get tickets, additional information or donate
