Angelic Mural Graces Wall of St. Mel Church

Large angels adorn the once-barren walls of the sanctuary in St. Mel Catholic Church, thanks to an anonymous donor.

Scaffolding went up earlier this week as the “St. Mel Crystal Angels” oil painting was carefully hung on both sides of the altar. The lavender mural is 33 1/2 feet at its highest point, stretching to the church’s ceiling, and 24 feet wide. The angels gracing both sides of the altar will appear to gaze down at the church’s sanctuary.

Natural light streaming through stained-glass windows will complement the artwork.

“The mural is going to give the church such a warm and welcoming environment,” said Cindy McCaughey, St. Mel Parish administrator. “You feel a warm spirit feeling coming over you when you look at it.”

The Woodland Hills resident who donated more than $100,000 for the artwork previously gave $530,000 for a 3,700-pipe organ that was installed at St. Mel in 1997, McCaughey said.

The mural took Yugoslavian artist RaDeSha a year to plan, design and paint.

“I’ve painted a lot of murals, but never something like this,” RaDeSha said. “I didn’t paint it in a way that glorifies angels, but as beings that show humility, like humans should.”

RaDeSha worked with a committee for several months, ironing out the smallest details, from what direction the angels should look to the light shade of lavender to be used. Many were worried that the mural would draw attention away from services.

“The mural enhances the altar and doesn’t overpower it at all,” said Msgr. Padraic Loftus, pastor of the church.

“The mural is very delicate and looks very wonderful.”

The painting will be unveiled and dedicated at the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, followed by a reception for the artist at the church, 20870 Ventura Blvd.