ARTISTS WITH ALEXANDRINA
The Stained Glass Windows of Balasar Church
Those who give their attention to the stained glass windows of the Parish Church of Balasar cannot fail to notice their rare quality. Their subject matter is concerned with Bld Alexandrina’s mystical experiences and are a result of the contribution of Fr Francisco and Professor Antunes, of Porto; of course Fr Francisco provided the theological matter that he wished to be transmitted and Professor Antunes translated it into art. The actual work was done by Casa Antunes.
one (on the right) is inspired by the episode of Elias who was tired and asked God to take him but was urged by angel to continue his journey to the mountain of God; that on the left more directly concerns Alexandrina and shows us a way full of thorns but that leads to the Gates of Glory.
The second set of stained glass windows, those on the side, are very curious.
On the right, above, is a great panel of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. Under the feet of Holy Mary and the Apostles is the globe representing the mission of the Church, as well as that of Alexandrina, “to the ends of the earth”.
Below, moved by the same Holy Spirit, Alexandrina participates in the redemptive suffering of Christ: she completes what is wanting to His Passion, according to the well-known line of S. Paul.
On the left, above, can be seen the panel of the Last Supper: all the Apostles, with the exception of Judas (who is settled back in his chair planning treason), are concentrating in the Eucharistic mystery.
Below, Alexandrina is immersed in the waves of love from the Eucharist: “It is no more I who live, it is Christ who lives in me”, she would say.
Artists of some countries have put their creativity at the service of the dissemination of Alexandrina’s life and the work.
The author of the expressive, beautiful watercolours for the booklet Anima Pura Cuore di Fuoco is the Italian, Felicina Sesto.
Another collaborator of the Signoriles was the capuchin Friar, Damaso, who illustrated the cover of Figlia del Dolore Madre di Amore and of Mio Signore Mio Dio!
Closer to our time, Graziella Sarno painted the Pastorela che conduce al Cuore di Gesù (Little shepherd who leads to the Heart of Jesus) and did the illustration for the cover of Solo per Amore!
In 2006, Domenica Ghidotti painted Alexandrina’s excellent icon, a copy of which came to Balasar in 2007.
