New Stained Glass Windows

Help us bring the light of the Angels to St. John Cantius

Throughout the centuries, some of the greatest works of art came into existence through the work of talented artisans, but not without the support of patrons. In addition to preserving and restoring the existing beauty of our church, we have the opportunity to add to it. By doing so, not only do we benefit from the added beauty, but it is also a counter-cultural statement to say that true works of art, worthy of a divine edifice, are still capable of being created in our postmodern society.

In the main stairwell as we climb from the lower level to the church level, there are three windows where we would like to see new stained glass images of the three archangels. The meaning and importance of the three most well-known archangels can be derived from a homily by St. Gregory the Great Progress on the Archangel Raphael Window

These archangels are also given special names to describe their particular virtue. Michael means, “who is like unto God?” Gabriel means “strength of God,” and Raphael, “medicine of God.” Whenever something is to be done needing great power, Michael is sent forth, so that from his action and from his name, we can understand that no one can do what God can do. Hence that ancient foe, who through pride desired to be like God, saying, “I will scale the heavens, I will set up my throne, I will be like the most high,” is shown at the end of the world destined to fight with Michael the Archangel. Similarly, Gabriel was sent to Mary. He who was called “strength of God” came to announce the one who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. And Raphael is interpreted, as we said, “medicine of God”. For when he touched the eyes of Tobias to do the work of healing, he dispelled the night of his blindness.

We are reminded by St. John Paul II that, “Angels exist, they are sent by Divine Providence to help us reach the holiness of life.” These three windows will serve as a constant reminder of the presence of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael in our daily pursuit of holiness.

We are commissioning Baltic Art Studio to create these new windows. Baltic Art was founded by Evelina Mayner and co-founded by her father Alfredas Sutkus. Mindaugas Vitkauskas, along with Evelina, will oversee this project. Both studied under and worked alongside masters in the art of stained glass in Vilnius, Lithuania. Moving to the United States afforded them the opportunity to work on the restoration of historic landmarks of Chicago, such as the glass of the Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, stained glass windows made by L. C. Tiffany, John LaFarge, L. Sullivan and others.

We are pleased that these talented and accomplished artists will be working to add to the splendor of St. John Cantius Church.

Each of these three unique works of art will require $50,000. Please prayerfully consider helping us reach our goal of $150,000.