St. Rocco Catholic Church – National Parish Window Series, Pennsylvania

Client Type: Catholic Church (National Parish)
Application: Full Interior and Entryway Window Inserts
Design Style: Mission-Inspired Architecture, Multi-Ethnic Sacred Imagery

“The windows are outstanding in every way, just awesome.”
— Alisa Ramirez, Dedication Attendee

Project Overview

St. Rocco Catholic Church in Avondale, Pennsylvania became the first national parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, established specifically to serve the Hispanic community. Designed by KCBA Architects and inspired by Mission San Juan Capistrano, the church is a stunning Spanish-style structure made possible through the generosity of benefactor Rocco Abbessinio.

Mr. Abbessinio played a hands-on role in the creative process, helping select imagery and review full-color proofs alongside the church committee. Although the original idea was to reuse antique panels from closed churches, concerns around cost, lead exposure, and customization led the team to commission new, lead-free artwork tailored to the space. This approach allowed the church to move forward with standard commercial framing during construction, with the artwork added later saving both time and resources.

The final design includes ten high-set side windows and a large round rose window above the entry, featuring Mary surrounded by children of the world. These custom pieces were created to reflect both biblical themes and the multicultural spirit of the parish. During the dedication, the community’s joy was captured on camera by CBS News, with Father Frank Depman sharing how “everybody's overjoyed.”

Design Features

• Eleven custom panels, including a rose window featuring Mary and children from around the world

• High transom placement to maximize light and visibility in the sanctuary

• Designs reflect Catholic themes and Hispanic cultural identity

• Custom proofing process with parish committee and donor involvement

• Lead-free panels installed into commercial window frames post-construction

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