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Stained Glass Windows Holy Name (Symbols)

BEGIN TOUR AT REAR ENTRANCE, LOOKING LEFT

1. The Nativity

I H S – red. In Hoc Signo – In This Sign
Repeated in several other windows this refers to the Divine presence (in Jesus) in a particular way.
In this scene God is present in the humble birth in a stable/manger.
STAR – silver/gold. As seen by the Magi/Kings.
CROWNS – three, gold. As worn by the Magi/Kings.
MANGER – red oblong.
NIGHT SKY – blue, with (white) stars.

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2. The Public Life

TOOLS – of a carpenters trade (the ‘hidden’ life of Jesus)
SCROLL/BOOK – the text quoted by Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth as he begins his public ministry: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…(Luke 4:18).
ANCHOR WITH FISH
ICTHUS – the letters of the Greek word for ‘fish’ summarise the identity of Jesus: Jesus
C
hrist, Son of God, Saviour: an ancient Christian symbol for the Lord.
ANCHOR – faith in Christ keeps us secure even in the storms of life: an ancient Christian symbol for ‘Faith’.
SERPENT – the struggle with evil; a reference to the Tempter in the Garden of Eden (the ‘old enemy’ of humanity), to Jesus’ own battle with evil (from the desert to the garden of Gethsemane), and to the temptations that beset every follower of the Lord.

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3. Building the Kingdom of God

I H S - In Hoc Signo; in this sign.
The sign of Christ’s enduring presence in the world of history is the Church.
BOAT - the Church: an ancient Christian symbol for the community of the followers of the Lord. Sometimes the Church is called ‘the barque of Peter’.
KEYS – the Church has the task of building up the Kingdom of God on earth, of giving access to God’s life and love (the keys of the kingdom of heaven). Peter (and his successors, the Popes) are given a special role/responsibility in this task.
JARS – for water. Jesus brings the living water that will well up to eternal life (see John 4:14).
LOAF – Jesus is the bread of life…the bread from heaven (see John 6:35).
FISH - red. The loaves and fish also recall the miracle in which Jesus fed thousands of hungry and tired people (Mark 6:30-44; 8:1-10) -  a sign of Divine Providence which continues to be manifest in the life of the Church.

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4. The Last Supper (Maundy Thursday)

I H S - In Hoc Signo.
The Divine Presence in Jesus is to be recognised in the celebration of the Eucharist

SHEAF OF WHEAT/ BUNCH OF GRAPES
BREAD/WINE

Symbols of the Eucharist instituted by Jesus on that occasion.
BAG OF COINS - Thirty pieces of silver, the sum of money paid to Judas to betray Jesus.
ROOSTER- Reminder of the cock’s crow and Peter’s three-fold denial of Jesus that night.

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5. The Crucifixion (Good Friday)

CROWN OF THORNS
SCOURGE (WHIP)
NAILS
SPEAR
HYSSOP STICK WITH SPONGE
3 CROSSES

Reminders of the Passion and Death of Jesus on the Cross between two thieves.
I N R I - Iesus Nazarene Rex Iudaeorum – ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. The sign Pontius Pilate ordered to be put on the Cross of Christ on Calvary.

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6. The Blessed Trinity

I H S In Hoc Signo; in this sign.
The Divine Presence in Jesus is made manifest in the Coming (on Pentecost Day) of the Spirit – who is also the Spirit of the Father.
DOVE/ TONGUES OF FIRE – Symbols of the Holy Spirit of God descending upon the disciples of Jesus – then and now.
A O - Alpha/Omega. First and last letters of the Greek alphabet, denoting the Risen (ever-living) Christ (Apocalypse 1:8).
HAND – Denoting God the Father/Creator/ Divine Providence.
TRIANGLE – The Three Persons of God (Father, Son and Spirit), united as One by their Love for each other (the Trinity, or tri-unity – three in one).

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