This Easter, the St. Veronica sanctuary matched the bright
flowers and pastel-clad congregants of the Chantilly church. Recent renovations
transformed the church’s yellow brick back wall into an inviting coral and sky
blue separated by white arches. Newly stenciled in gold below the original
stained glass windows are the words from St. Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori’s
Stations of the Cross: “Consider how Veronica saw Him so afflicted and attended
and wiped His most holy face.”
When St. Veronica was built in 2004, the worship space was
intended to become the vestibule. After a few years, the parish decided instead
that the space would be the permanent church. In light of the change, they
renovated the interior to look more like a traditional sanctuary.
In the past few weeks, the carpet was replaced with faux wood and
tile. New pews were added and the historic pews, where Mother Teresa is said to
have once knelt, were refurbished. In a few weeks, a new altar, ambo, baptismal
font and other liturgical furnishings will arrive. They hope to add murals to
the walls and new lighting, funds permitting.
“There was nothing wrong (with the space) before, but it was
temporary,” said Father Dennis W. Kleinman, pastor. “It’s even better now — more reverent, more conducive for worship. It
lifts your mind and eyes and heart to the glory of God.”