Saint Mary's Hospital To Unveil Historic Stained Glass Window Feature

WATERBURY, Conn. -- Saint Mary’s Hospital will unveil a stained-glass window feature on Monday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m. The windows, including a depiction of the Nativity, have a history that was born on the Saint Mary’s Hospital campus. Dating back to the turn of the century, the windows at one time hung in the former Sisters of Saint Joseph convent, currently the Kenny Building on Saint Mary’s campus. They’ve been reborn as a key feature in a renovation and beautification project underway throughout the hospital.

After nearly a year of renovation work, with serendipitous timing during the Advent season, the structure featuring the Nativity window will be celebrated in a ceremony featuring a musical performance by two ICU nurses. The ceremony will also include a prayer and blessing from Fr. Anthony Smith and a brief message of thanks to donors by Saint Mary’s president, Kim Kalajainen.

The windows were uncovered in 2022 by the Mission Leader of Saint Mary’s Hospital at the time, Sister Dolores Lahr. Knowing she would be the last religious sister stationed at the hospital, Sister Dolores made preparations prior to her departure for Rome, where she now serves as the Superior General of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry. While combing through closets and storage units for any hidden remnants or gems, she discovered the windows. This discovery coincided with the planning phase of a renovation project in an area just off the main lobby.

The restored stained-glass windows will now be featured in the “One Stop” and Patient Registration area, adjacent to the hospital’s main lobby entrance, replacing an aging water feature. The prominent location combined with the simplistic beauty of the windows is further enhancing the serene space greeting patients and visitors as they enter Saint Mary’s, while honoring the rich history of the more than 116-year-old hospital.

“Our mission is to serve together in the spirit of the gospel as a compassionate and transforming, healing presence in this community,” said Kalajainen. “I hope this project contributes to our healing environment. I believe it offers our visitors a message of beauty and healing.”