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Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel

Studio Name: Emil Frei Associates, Inc.

City: Livonia

Window Shape: 5 (gothic arched, 2 vertical sections)

Subject/Title of Window: The Mysteries of the Rosary Part 2

Brief Description of Subject: This two lancet aisle window is located on the gospel side of the public seating section of the Chapel. All aisle windows and transept windows have the same basic pattern, two lancet windows, the top symbol in each lancet sets the topic for that lancet, and the four symbols below are each encased in a geometrical shape surrounded by grisaille glass. The border and filler color used, like the geometric shape, is unique to the section of the Chapel they are located in --- the public section uses an oval-ish shape and the color of amber.
 
Left lancet starting at the top.
 
The Virgin Mary as Queen of the Most Holy Rosary: Pictured here by a lily (Mary) resting on a golden crown (Queen). Above her are seven candles, possibly representing her seven sorrows.
 
The Carrying of the Cross: This Sorrowful Mystery is pictured by a slanted cross with the Chi Rho (Christ) at the intersection.
 
The Crucifixion and Death: This Sorrowful Mystery is pictured by a figure in red (Christ) on a cross, nails seen on the feet and hands, and a spear that was used to make sure Jesus was dead.
 
The Resurrection of Jesus: This Glorious Mystery is pictured by a Chi Rho (Christ) rising out of a tomb.
 
The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven: This Glorious Mystery is covered in Acts 1:9, "He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid them from their sight." This is pictured by the Chi Rho (Christ) rising through a cloud. There is also a triangle that refers to the Trinity.
 
Right lancet starting at the top.
 
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary: Same as the top of the left lancet.
 
The three roses represent the three sets of Mysteries that comprised the rosary at the time this window was made --- the Sorrowful, the Joyful, and the Glorious. Most likely the colors of the flowers represent the Mystery: Red --- the Sorrowful, light green --- the Joyful, and yellow --- the Glorious.
 
Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth: This Glorious Mystery is pictured by a white lily (Mary) and a crown.
 
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven: This Glorious Mystery is pictured with a white lily (Mary) passing above clouds (where heaven is located).
 
The Descent of the Holy Spirit: This Glorious Mystery occurred on Pentecost which is covered in Acts 2:1 - 5. Pictured here is the tongues of fire mentioned in verses 5 -  6, "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that seperated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit." The 12 tongues seen here refers to the 12 Apostles that were present.
 
Although the exact date is unknown, this window was in place by 1944.

Height: 11'

Width: 6'

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