Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Parish at 7215 Saint Joe Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46835-1567 US - Our Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Introduction Since the very early church, stained glass has been used to beautify places of worship. By the ninth century, demand for churches increased as did the production of stained glass windows. Since most people did not read, pictorial glass became an excellent medium for storytelling and teaching. In a letter to artists, dated April 4, 1999, Pope John Paul II writes that throughout history “religious art has never lost its vitality.” For centuries, works of art have helped the Church transmit the message of the Gospels. Window 1 – Creation Representing the firmament, streams of water and light are shown. The earth forms near the top of the window as the sun emerges behind it to govern the day. Stars shine as luminaries in the sky. The lesser light, the moon, governs the night. Genesis 1:1-31. Window 2 – Jewish History Incense burns and flows through this window symbolizing worship. The burning bush and Ten Commandments appear in the center area representing God’s interaction with us and the freeing of Jews from bondage. The Ark of the Covenant is shown beneath the wings of the cherubim sheltering the ark from above. 1 Kings 8:6-8. Window 3 – Old Testament The ark of Noah is at the top of this window representing the great flood. The Torah contains the written collection of Jewish Law. The Twelve Tribes of Israel are depicted in the Star of David. The harp, musical notes, and the Menorah are all symbols of Jewish worship and praise to God. Acts 13:16-23. Window 4 – The Father The trefoil at the top represents the nature of God the Father. Within this is the “All Seeing Eye” of God. The radiance emerges from the symbol of God the Father, Creator, downward through the Alpha and Omega and on to the Hands of the Father creating the world, seen by the form of earth within His hands. Isaiah 64:7. Window 5 – The Son Emerging from the radiant cross in the background is the image of the “Risen Christ”, the Son of God. The crown of thorns (symbol of the crucifixion) with lilies growing up through it, symbolizes the Resurrection. 1 Peter 1:3-9, 19-22. Window 6 – The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is depicted as the dove in the upper part of the window. The flames illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit pouring forth upon the faithful for all time. Acts 2:3-4. Window 7 – New Testament With the figure of Christ emerging from the open Bible, “The Word becomes flesh”, is visualized. The four doves, representing the four gospels, spread the word of God throughout the world. The Fleur de Lys is an ancient symbol of Mary, Mother of God, with the Resurrection cross behind it. John 1:14. Window 8 – Sacraments All seven sacraments are represented in this window. At the top the Holy Eucharist is depicted with the Chalice and Host. The Easter candle in water symbolizes Baptism. Confirmation is represented with the flames of the Holy Spirit. Interlocking rings symbolizes Marriage and the hand represents Reconciliation. The stole represents Holy Orders, the Priesthood. Anointing and healing is seen through the Holy Oil flowing from the urn. Matthew 28:19-20. Window 9 – The Church A ship is an ancient symbol of the church representing the spreading of the gospel. The keys to the kingdom of Heaven are the symbol of the great commission and St. Peter as the first Pontiff. The Rosary reminds us of the saving actions of Christ our Savior and the openness to His grace as seen through Mary. The heart with the seven swords, the Seven Sorrows, the spiritual martyrdom of the Mother of God, depicts her compassion for the suffering of her Divine Son.
John 20:21. Flowing Water Outward from the Risen Christ, we see flowing waters – a sign of life, Baptism, and Grace. Touching all windows, it shows God’s presence from the moment of Creation, through the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Church, for all time. John 7:37-38. The stained glass windows were crafted by LYNCHBURG STAINED GLASS, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA under the direction of Artist and Designer RICH BUSWELL. The members of Our Lady of Good Hope made these windows possible through generous contributions made to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

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