LOREAUVILLE — It was late morning, and soft light was still filtering into the sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Loreauville. 

But today was different. Hues of yellow, red and blue played across the pews full of parishioners, blessed to be part of the Mass celebrating and blessing the new windows installed in the church’s sanctuary. After a two-and-a-half-year effort, the new works of art were installed and ready to be viewed and appreciated as part of the congregation’s worship.

“Small things happen,” said Deacon Roland Jeanlouis during a reception following the Mass. “In this case, it was just an idea. But it came to a beautiful conclusion.”

The 15 windows line both sides of the mid-century brick building, with one in the confessional at the front of the building. Family members and clergy paid for 10 of the pieces, with the other five paid for through funds raised for the project from the church community.

Parishioner Marie Barbara Pierre, one of the drivers of the project, was busy making sure each part of Saturday’s event went smoothly. She stopped to hug artist Craig McCullen, who owns Whoojoo Stained Glass Gallery in downtown Lafayette, created the individual pieces based on the requests of the sponsors.

“This is my best friend,” Pierre beamed as she hugged McCullen. “We met two years ago and it has been a great friendship.”

More than 100 people stayed through the Mass and reception as members of the clergy read the dedications and inspirations for McCullen’s work. The windows impart a reflective beauty on the otherwise stark sanctuary, as evidenced in the quiet appreciation of the congregation as priests walked the aisles, blessing each one with a prayer and holy water.

The subjects of the works varied. In the confessional, the Immaculate Heart of Mary peers in, listening and comforting those in need. Deeper in the sanctuary, Our Lady of Guadalupe looks over the congregation, head bowed as she recites a rosary. In other areas, Jesus, St. Augustine. St. Rita and others look over the Our Lady of Victory family.

Members of that family were gathered at tables in the church hall after the service, sharing stories and breaking bread. McCullen also provided mementos, stained glass rectangles each bearing a cross in a complementary color, for the sponsoring families.

In addition to the beauty of the work and workmanship in the new windows was the parallel between the new fixtures and the mission of the church itself, seeking to bring light and beauty into the world.

“Lord of Light, in the beginning, you separated the light from the darkness and said it was good,” said Rev. Bary F. Crochet in his prayer prior to the blessing of the windows. “You are the true light which enlightens all people. May the light that shines through these windows be a blessing to us and remind us of your true light.”