The stained glass windows are commonly referred to as faceted glass. The edges of the individual pieces of glass were chipped, or faceted, to allow them to capture the light in interesting ways. Faceted glass is manufactured in Europe, as well as domestically. That used in our windows comes from both sources. The windows were developed by Emil Frei Associates.
NORTHEAST WINDOW – Morning of Life
(Time of Our Beginning and Coming of Age in Christ)
The theme of the windows is the “Cycle of Life.” Each day, as the sun illumines the three windows in turn, our living in and for Christ is reenacted. The elements of color, movement, pattern, light, and dark are used to develop this theme.
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Left panel: Found here are thoughts on creation and the beginning of life. Depicted are the sun, moon, stars, birds, fish, and vegetation, along with the suggestion of movement of water and air.
Center panel: The beginning of our spiritual lives through the Sacrament |
of Baptism is symbolized by the shell. From it flow streams of water, which nourish the tree of life, growing upward to where the triangle and three crosses represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Right panel: Here is suggested our physical awakening as represented by the rising sun and crowing rooster. Moreover, the dispelling of darkness is depicted by the Chi Rho, symbol of Christ, surrounded by a burst of light, suggesting the light He brought into the world. The pomegranate symbolizes His rising from the darkness of the tomb. The palm branch suggests victory.
EAST WINDOW – Noon time of Life
(Time of Our Activities in Christ)
Center panel: The large sunburst symbolizes the sun at its highest point. The Father’s hands are superimposed on the sun as He receives the fruits of the labors of the faithful. These fruits are expressed by a simple flowered stem; the faithful, by the two birds.
Our three vows are represented here: poverty, by the thistle, because of its ability to grow in impoverished soil; chastity, by the lily, symbol of purity; and obedience, by the sunflower, because of its tendency to faithfully follow the sun.
Left panel: Represented here are two parables reminding us to center our lives in Christ: the birds and lilies, to seek first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added to us; the five flames, the wise virgins who were prepared for their meeting with the Lord.
Throughout the left and right panels are suggested some of the areas of ministry in which we are offering our lives.
The wheat and grapes represent our dedication to the Blessed Sacrament; the loaves, our acts of charity and feeding of the hungry; the medical symbol, our caring of the sick.
Right panel: The Logos represents our teaching and spreading the word of God; the sheep and shepherd’s staff, our apostolic endeavors; and the large flame, our zeal for and love of our ministry.
SOUTHEAST WINDOW – Night time of Life
(Time of Our Coming into the Glory of Heaven)
In the upper half of the three panels the angelic choirs and Communion of Saints are grouped about the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity: the large triangle, the Father; the Chi Rho, the Son; and the dove, the Holy Spirit.
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Center panel: The form of the Church rises upward and unites with the dove, symbolizing the enlightenment and graces flowing from the Holy Spirit down upon the Church. The last moments of the faithful are fortified by the Sacrament of the Sick, indicated by the symbol of the Oleum Infirmorum (OI). |
Left panel: The rainbow suggests hope; the crown, eternal reward. The lily represents our tribute and gratitude to Mary for her part in our salvation, as we pray each day the Magnificat, the climax of our Evening Prayer.
Right panel: The hourglass suggests the passing of time; the scales, the mercy and righteousness of God. The vines, garden tools, and passing of the sun recall the parable of the laborers in the vineyard and the reminder that “the last shall be first and the first last, for many are called but few are chosen.” (Matthew).
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