A new window

Saint Philip’s has a new stained glass window. It has been installed on a wall in the church office—complete with backlighting.

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has a companion relationship with the Diocese of Western Mexico, which is also part of the Anglican Communion. As part of this relationship, Saint Philips was asked last year to become a companion church to La Iglesia Santa Maria Virgen in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Fr Jesus David Portillo is the vicar. 

Last December, Saint Philip’s affiliate clergy, Fr Henry Hoffman, visited Hermosillo to participate in the ordination of a new cleric (who is assigned to a church in Nogales, Sonora). During his visit Fr Henry was offered the opportunity to purchase the stained glass window that depicts the Holy Mother and infant Jesus. The stained glass artist is unknown, but Fr Jesus David believes the window is probably 50-75 years old.

The church wanted to sell the stained glass window to raise funds to purchase solar panels for the church. The panels would allow parish children to study in the church after school, as well as supply electricity for Sunday worship and other church events. 

Mary and Jesus are depicted as dark-skinned which is a more accurate representation of people from the Middle East. Fr Henry is part of Saint Philip’s Anti-Racism Discussion Group and he told them about the opportunity to purchase the window. Members of that group donated funds that were combined with other donations and the window was purchased.

Everyone is encouraged to stop by the office and see the window in person.