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June 10, 2021
As we continue the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are excited to announce the first stained glass window for our new church! A generous donor has given our parish a beautiful window which was originally made in Munich, Germany, over 100 years ago. The window consists of three panels of ornamented glass with three important symbols of our Faith. The brilliant colors remind us of the image of the Heavenly Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation, where the walls are set with gems (cf. Rev 21:18-21). As we approach the church for Mass, the stained glass thus reminds us of the foretaste of Heaven we encounter within.
This summer, the window will be restored and refinished to be fitted into the massive frame in the front of the bell tower.
Center Panel: The Christogram, IHS
The letters IHS are a very ancient abbreviation of the Holy Name of Jesus in Greek. This “Christogram” appears often in religious art and objects devoted to sacred use, for it denotes the Name “by which we must be saved” (cf. Acts 4:12). “The name of Jesus is at the heart of Christian prayer” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 435).
Left Panel: Sacred Heart of Jesus
“In biblical language, "heart" indicates the center of the person where his sentiments and intentions dwell. In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love for humanity, his will for universal salvation, his infinite mercy” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Angelus, 5 June, 2005). This is why the Sacred Heart of Jesus is shown with reminders of His sufferings, which manifested God’s love for us.
Right Panel: Immaculate Heart of Mary
“The heart that resembles that of Christ more than any other is without a doubt the Heart of Mary, his Immaculate Mother, and for this very reason the liturgy holds them up together for our veneration” (Ibid.). Mary’s Immaculate Heart is also shown pierced by the “sword” of her sorrows (cf. Luke 2:35). The lily and white roses symbolize Mary’s purity.
