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Why Stained Glass Windows?
One of the most striking architectural elements of many of our cathedrals and churches are the stained glass that grace the walls and create impressive displays of light and color. These displays convey a sense of tradition, mystery, and holiness and create an environment conducive to prayer and worship.
Stained glass was not developed for the artistic effect and expression alone. The windows of our ancient churches were developed to communicate our tradition and faith. Christians in our history were often unable to read and write. While they often had a lively faith and a deep commitment to Christ their inability to read posed a significant challenge to communicating the faith and tradition to new generations. The elements of church architecture became catechetical tools. Art became an essential tool to assist families in communicating the basics of our faith to their children. Images from the Old Testament, stories of Jesus’ life and ministry, and symbols of the Church were included in the windows so parents could tell the stories behind the images to their children.
What do windows in St. Lucy Church represent?
The two main windows in the church represent the birth and death of Jesus. There are some interesting characteristics easily overlooked. The artist has tied the two windows together by including the burial shroud as a backdrop for both scenes. The white cloth frames each picture. The window depicting the crucifixion also has a chalice to connect the sacrifice of Jesus to our Eucharistic Sacrifice.
The windows over the Exit toward Winchester Blvd. contain symbols representing Christ and the seven sacraments.
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L and W: |
Christ, the beginning (L ) and the end (W) |
Dove: |
A symbol of Baptism from the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; when the Spirit descended on him in the from of a dove. |
Keys: |
Sacrament of Penance: “I entrust to you the keys of the Kingdom, whatever you bind of earth shall be bound in heaven.” |
Wheat and Grapes: |
Symbols for the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine. |
Dove and Tongues of Fire: |
Signs of Confirmation when the Spirit descended as tongues of fire. |
Tabernacle & Candles: |
Symbol of the reserved Eucharist in the Tabernacle for individual devotion and ministry to the sick. |
Chalice, Bible, & Stole: |
Symbols of ordained ministry (priesthood) to preside at Mass and preach the Word of God. |
Intertwined Rings: |
Symbols of two people becoming one in marriage. |
Windows in Doors leading out to Parking
Lot
(Starting from door closest to Holy Family Shrine)
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Winged Lion - |
St. Mark as he begins his Gospel with “the voice of one crying in the wilderness”, suggesting the roar of the lion. |
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Winged Man - |
St. Matthew as he begins his Gospel with the human genealogy of Jesus. |
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Winged Ox - |
St. Luke as he begins his Gospel in the Temple where sacrifices of oxen took place. |
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Eagle - |
St. John as his Gospel begins with a lofty prologue that soars to the heavens. |
Windows in Doors leading out to Winchester Blvd.
(Starting from left as you face them)
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Winged Cherubim: |
With one on other side similar to what was described about the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Exodus (Chapter 25:17ff) - the place where God will meet Moses in the Tent. It is when we pass through these doors we come to meet God in the People, in the Word and in the Sacrament. |
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Sword: |
Symbol of martyrdom. St. Lucy was executed by the sword. |
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Torch: |
An emblem of the betrayal of Christ, and therefore of the Passion. It reminds us of the sacrifice of the cross, and of martyrs, like St. Lucy, who were considered as participating in the passion of Christ. |
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Lamp: |
A symbol of wisdom and piety. The use of the lamp with St. Lucy refers to her vision of St. Agatha, who appeared to her and said, “ Lucy, thou art indeed a light.” |
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Quill with eyes: |
Symbol of the written Word of God in Scripture - the eyes symbolizing the all-knowing and ever-present God. ”Your words, O God, are a light unto my path.” |
