The stained glass windows installed at Our Lady of Loreto Church in Foxfield earlier this year have been recognized by Faith & Form magazine and the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA), a branch of the American Institute of Architects.
The international award, in the category of Religious Arts-Visual Arts—as determined by a panel including clergy, lay leaders, artists, architects and landscape designers—was announced by the IFRAA Dec. 1.
“IFRAA’s acknowledgement is a major affirmation of our windows’ capacity, and truly that of the angels themselves, to raise our spirits to the divine,” pastor Msgr. Edward Buelt wrote in a message to parishioners, “to instill in us, the ‘gazer,’ when we worship, praise and adore God; something of his own Holy Spirit.”
The set of 16 windows, installed last February, depict a variety of theological contemporary art imagery including five circular dome windows portraying the heavenly Jerusalem as revealed in the Book of Revelation, a circular window representing the marriage of the Lamb of God to “the heavenly Denver,” and 10 rectangular windows illustrating the nine ranks of angels.
“Bright colors, abstract forms, and layers of meaning distinguish these instruments of theology, fulfilling one of the oldest functions of stained glass in a fresh and new way,” the IFRAA jury panel wrote in their comments.
The windows were designed by Littleton born and raised artist Scott Parsons, a Christian whose art is influenced by a “Colorado spirituality.” They complement the natural elements of stone and wood in the 2003 Romanesque style church at 18000 E. Arapahoe Road—elements designed to reflect the Colorado landscape, according to Msgr. Buelt. The windows, financed by an anonymous donor, were fabricated at the renowned Derix Glass Studios in Taunnesstein, Germany. Derix installed the windows along with a local team.
A 30-minute documentary on the windows “Angels Alleluia” has been produced and will air on Rocky Mountain PBS, channel 6, at 4 p.m. Dec. 21, as part of the station’s Christmas programming.
“The documentary considers the inspiration, design and execution of the windows,” explained Msgr. Buelt. “It focuses especially on the theological meaning of each of the ranks of the angels.”
“Set your calendars to watch and record this outstanding production,” he added.
For more information, visit www.ourladyofloreto.org.
