The Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, at King City north of Toronto, has been undergoing a major overhaul to transform it into a world destination for Marian devotion.

The new seven-by-four-foot glass panels were created by Toronto artist Stuart Reid. He was commissioned shortly after completing a glass mural installation at Toronto’s renovated Union Station.

He travelled to Germany last summer to make the glassworks using a special technique that involved laminating two panels, applying the pigment and then firing the panels in large kilns that, apparently, are found only in Germany.

The finished glass was shipped to Marylake last fall. Workers spent the winter assembling stainless steel frames designed by Ted Harasti and Pat Tremamunno. Tremamunno’s company, Inox Industries, donated half of the $45,000 framing cost.

The framed artwork was anchored to foundations with custom-made bolts after each piece was lifted into place by a crane. Installation was managed by Tony Malizia, whose company, ADM Stainless Steel, donated the $6,000 cost of the special bolts.

Called “Mary’s Way of the Cross,” the installation was completed a year after the Shrine unveiled the world’s largest living rosary, a 1.5-kilometre rosary path. At more than 800 acres, the Marylake grounds also include a monastery, retreat centre and expansive outdoor areas for meditation, prayer and enjoyment.