|
Choose From Any Of
Parish Liturgical Life
Click Below To Return To
|
|
Choose From Any Of
Parish Liturgical Life
Click Below To Return To
|
|
The Stained Glass Windows The theme of the stained glass windows in Saint Agnes Church is embodied primarily in the North and South transept windows and is expressed by the use of liturgical symbolism. The History of Salvation is traced through significant events and personages from the Old Testament in the South transept and the New Testament in the North transept. In the upper portion of the three Old Testament panels the beginning of man's salvation is symbolized by use of elements from the Creation as the sun, moon, stars, water, fish, birds, vegetation and finally our first parents. In the left panel Abraham is symbolized by a large star and a shepherd staff suggesting his role as Patriarch and the band of stars recalls the words of the Lord to Abraham "Look to the heavens if you can and count the stars--so shall your seed be". In the lower area of the left panel the harp symbolizes David from whom Mary is descended. He is often regarded as a type of the Messiah and indeed incidents from his life are believed to have foreshadowed the life of Christ. The buildings below suggest the territories of his kingship. The harp recalls his musical abilities as he was often brought to court to soothe King Saul by playing the harp. In the lower section of the center panel the burning bush and tablets symbolize Moses who is often considered the Old Testament counterpart of Christ as he was commissioned by the Lord to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land as Christ in the New Testament established His church. In the lower area of the right panel John the Baptist is symbolized by a ram's horn as he is considered the announcer or forerunner of Christ. The sack cloth recalls his customary garb. In the North transept window events of the New Testament that are significant to man's salvation follow with a symbolic depiction of the birth of Christ in the upper portion of the center panel. There is a simple suggestion of the stable roof and posts above the Chi Rho symbol of Christ which stems from the form of a lily representing Mary Immaculate. The star of Bethlehem appears above while the shepherd's staffs and crowns recall the first witnesses to the birth of the Christ Child. In the upper portion of the left panel the rising sun symbolizes Christ's resurrection and directly below the sun the Lamb on the book with seven seals--the Lamb who was slain who is the Alpha and Omega and who came to make all things new as referred to in the Apocalypse. In the lower area of the left panel the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist is symbolized by the rectangular form of a table top with the chalice and twelve loaves indicating the apostles present. The lower area of the center panel recalls Christ's crucifixion by the presence of the cross and inscription INRI and along side the crosses of the thieves who were crucified with Him. The symbolism of the tree growing around Christ's cross is prompted by the ancient hymn, the "Vexilla Regis" which speaks of the cross of Christ as the tree of Life. The lower portion of the right panel is devoted to the public ministry of Christ. The hand within the arches topped with the Star of David denotes His teaching in the temple. The vessels, grapes and water suggest His first public miracle at the marriage feast of Cana and the palm branches recall his triumphant entry into Jerusalem which is suggested by the background of buildings. Finally in the top of the right panel the descent of the Holy Spirit is suggested by the dove and tongues of fire. He is the motivator who follows to bring to completion the work of redemption and salvation. The window at the entry to the nave contains a shell, the symbol of Baptism. Source: Francis Deck, Designer, Liturgical Art Consultant
|
