Tour of the Stained Glass Windows

Explanation of the Stained Glass Windows

The windows on the north side trace the events of the life of St. Anne (and Joachim) according to ancient Christian tradition found in the proto-gospel of James, the pseudo gospel of Matthew, and the History of Mary's birth. Apocryphal writings of this sort cannot be put on a par with the canonical Scriptures, but, once purged of some fanciful and ornamental features, they reveal elements of faith, orally transmitted details and principles in perfect harmony with the biblical message.

North Windows

Window 1:
St. Joachim and St. Anne lived for many years without children. At the Great Feast of the Lord, the High Priest refused Joachim's gifts because he had no children, and thus this marriage seemed to be without God's blessing. Being ashamed for such a reproach, Joachim retired for some time in the fields and prayed that God would bless his marriage with children.

Window 2:
An angel appears to St. Anne and tells her that Joachim would soon return home and that she would bear a daughter who would serve God.

Window 3:
Then the angel appears before Joachim and says: "Joachim, your prayers are heard. Anne shall bring you a daughter, and you shall call her Mary." Joachim then hastens to meet Anne at Jerusalem's Golden Gate. After having given due thanks and praise to the Lord, they return home and cheerfully await the promise of God.

Window 4:
When her time is come, Anne gives birth to a daughter and names her "Mary."

Window 5:
In their simple and religious home, Anne teaches the child Mary during her tender years.

Window 6:
At the age of three, the infant daughter is presented in the temple of the Lord by Anne. Here dedicated to God, Mary remains until a marriageable age. During these years, however, she often visits her home learning many virtues and teachings from her mother, Anne.

The windows on the south side continue the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary (and Joseph) and to some ex­tent parallel those on the north side.

Window 7:
The Marriage of Mary and Joseph takes place before the High Priest in the temple.

Window 8:
Sent from God, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary and announces that she is blessed above all women and she will give birth to the Savior of the world. Al­though she is amazed at such a wonderful message, Mary replies, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." An angel also appears to Joseph in a dream saying that Mary shall bring forth a son and His name will be "Jesus."

Window 9:
The birth of Christ took place in a manger in Bethlehem for there was no room for them in the inn. The angels praised God in the heavens singing, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Window 10:
At Nazareth, Mary follows the example of Anne and teaches Jesus as He grew in wisdom, age and grace.

Window 11:
At the marriage feast of Cana, Mary requests her Son to perform His first miracle and asks the servants to "do whatever He tells you." With this miracle Christ manifested His power for the honor and glory of God.

Window 12:
After seeing her Son's words and works accepted and rejected by people for three years, Mary follows Him to the hill of Calvary and witnesses the crucifixion. Agony and grief overcome Mary's heart when the soldiers lower the dead Christ into her arms--the Pieta.

Holy Eucharist

Matrimony - rings

Holy Orders - the stole

Anointing of the Sick - candle and holy oils

Other Stained Glass Windows

The small window in the hospitality room off the narthex or front vestibule depicts John the Baptist with Jesus in the Jordan River with the Holy Spirit (the dove) above and the voice of God the Father saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (This room was formerly the baptistery.)

The two small windows on the landing outside the Infant Chapel manifest Christ's love for the children. He is first seen teaching the "little ones" and then speaking to the boy with the loaves and the fish.