Architect: deCastro Nelson Associates, Dedham, MA; Antonio P. deCastro, AIA
Trinity Triptych
14.3' w. by 13.6' h. overall
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Round Windows
7.1' diameter each
Soaring high overhead, the achromatic Triptych and three Round Windows evoke an otherworldly sense of God as Holy Trinity. The Nave Windows below commemorate events and teachings from Christ’s time on Earth.
The Trinity Triptych and three Round Windows use clear colorless glass and filmy white opals to symbolize the transcendent, spiritual realm. These upper windows represent God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit both united as One in the triptych and individually in the round windows. The ancient symbol of a downward-reaching hand of God is seen in the God the Father. Colorless “rays” stream from above and pass through a cross and heart in the round Christ Window above the Altar. Symbolizing the light that is Christ becoming incarnate on Earth, they contain the only colored glass in any of the four upper windows. An opal glass dove descends in Holy Spirit where it becomes radiant amber in morning sun..
Patterns of light progress across the Nave as sun arcs through its daily and seasonal rounds. Views through the windows change as shadows, foliage and clouds come and go. The windows’ exteriors also change as sunlight gives way to a glowing interior at night. This fully three dimensional and constantly changing experience has become a comforting, yet dynamic part of worship at St. Matthew.
Go to “St. Matthew Catholic Church: Nave Windows”
OTHERS COMMENT:
You are spoken of often. You are present to us each and every visit to church. We celebrated our 40th anniversary recently by having a special Mass. Many of our friends visited St. Matthew for the first time and were in awe. Father Don joined us afterwards and chatted about the windows. The consensus was that the church is alive!
Joan Donahue, Parishioner, St. Matthew Catholic Church, Windham, NH
Materials: German, French and Domestic Mouthblown Glass; Machine- and Hand- rolled Glass; Hand-pressed Lenses; Lead; Solder.