This clear and simple stained glass window draws the contours of the silhouette of John Paul II (1920-2005) and repeats his famous words “Do not be afraid! » Was installed at the end of 2011, less than 6 months after the beatification of John Paul II by master glassmaker Cyril Couty, it is the work of Jacques Devos.
To date, in mainland France, there is only one other stained glass window dedicated to John Paul II, it is located in Saint-Pourçain sur Besbre, in Allier.

From its creation to its manufacture

“The Romanesque Chapel of Saint-Maclou has small windows and the stained glass windows present are quite dark.

It was imperative that a stained glass window let in as much light as possible.
I opted for a transparent “printed” glass: during its manufacture it passes between rollers which gives it relief.
I used two glasses arranged in regular vertical bands: an “antique bubble” and a “clear cathedral”.
I represented John Paul II in line with a paint called “grisaille” which penetrates into the glass when it is heated in an oven to around 650°.
This was for me the first experience of stained glass intended for a monument and I learned the hard way that a stained glass window is not seen in the same way horizontally and embedded 4 meters high in a 40cm wall thick.
In my first version, the head of John Paul II was almost decapitated by the edge of the wall. I had to make a second version! To install the stained glass window, a professional, the master glassmaker Cyril Gouty who taught him glass painting, helped me.
I had a lot of fun making this stained glass window and I thank the Association Les Amis de la Chapelle de Saint-Maclou for giving me this opportunity. »

Jacques Devos