WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Inside one of Waterbury’s most prominent landmarks — The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, there’s now a new addition underneath that’s also one of a kind.
A painting on the walls of the basement is now complete. It took the artist, Paul Armesto, a total of five years and lots of dedication and precision.
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The painting features more than 70 people, each representing biblical and historic figures.
The piece also depicts the Wedding at Cana, where in the bible Jesus performs his first miracle, turning water into wine.
A portion of the piece honors American heroes, including Walter Williams, a Waterbury police officer who died in the line of duty in 1992.
Each rose depicted on Williams represents his wife and children.
“There’s one that’s little because his wife was pregnant when he died,” Armesto said.
Symbolism is also scattered throughout the work of art.
“If you look directly at that flower, if you put your gaze to that flower, you’re looking at the twin towers,” he said.
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“We have all Waterbury landmarks and spiritual community, and of course, the story of salvation and history beginning with Adam and Eve and going through the ages,” Rev. James Sullivan said. “We don’t believe it’s ever been done in the history of the world, and that might be the only one right here in Waterbury, Connecticut.”
Sullivan, the church’s rector, said this entire piece and basement is a dedication to Michael McGivney — a Waterbury catholic priest who founded the Knights of Columbus.
Reflecting on Armesto’s dedication nearly brought tears to his eyes.
“It’s basically in a dark room in the middle of the night, all alone with light shining on the ceiling, and from that, essentially that emptiness, came something beautiful,” Sullivan said.
Father Sullivan says the church spent 5.9% of their budget on the art and invested even more into renovating the basement hall.
“We want to give God our best,” he said.
Sullivan said the renovated hall will be used for weddings and various community gatherings.
“I just hope that it brings joy to people,” Armesto said.
Armesto has been oil painting since he was 16. He started painting churches in 2002. This piece marks number 15 for him.
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