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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 1

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.
 
These mysteries are in chronological order starting on the left lancet top to bottom and continuing on the right lancet from bottom to top.
 
Left lancet starting at the top.
 
The Virgin Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary: Pictured by a lily (Mary) resting on a golden crown (Queen). Above her are seven candles, possibly representing her seven sorrows.
 
The Annunciation: This Joyous Mystery announcing the birth of Jesus is found in Luke 1:26 - 38. Pictured here is verse 25, "The Holy Spirit [dove] will come upon you [Mary, symbolized by a white lily], and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God [Jesus, the word inscribed]."
 
The Visitation: This Joyous Mystery covering Mary's visit to Elizabeth is found in Luke 1:39 - 56. Pictured here is a red rose (chastity) with a cross, and thorns on its stem. Explanation by Sister Zera (S.M. Hedwig): "The rose depicts the Mystery of the Visitation, during which Mary reveals her love. As the beauty and fragrance of the rose reveals her chastity and protection by thorns, so was the virtue of Mary accompanied by tribulation endured."
 
Birth of Jesus: This Joyous Mystery celebrating the birth of Jesus is covered in Luke 2:1 -7. Pictured is verse 6, "She [Mary, symbolized by a white lily] wrapped him [Christ, the Chi Rho] in cloths and placed him in a manger." Also seen in this window is the Star of Bethlehem which traditionally, as here, has been pictured in Nativity scenes. It actually comes from the Visit of the Magi, Matthew 2:2, where the Magi says, "We saw his star in the east."
 
The Presentation of Our Lord: This Joyous Mystery covers the first public pronouncement that Jesus is the Messiah, and is found in Luke 2:21 - 38. Pictured is verses 34 - 35, Simeon's prophecy to Mary, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." This is pictured here by a sword piercing a white lily (Mary).
 
Right lancet bottom to top.
 
Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple: This Joyous Mystery is found in Luke 2:41 -51. Pictured is Christ (Chi Rho) in the middle of the tablets of the law. This illustrates verse 46, "After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions."
 
The Agony in the Garden: This Sorrowful Mystery comes from Luke 22:39 - 45. Pictured here is a chalice and a lily of the valley. The flower of the lily of the valley droops downwards, thus symbolizing tear drops or drops of sweat. These illustrate verse 42, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me," and verse 44, "And being anguished, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
 
The Scourging at the Pillar: This Sorrowful Mystery comes from Jesus before Pilate, John 19:1, "Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." Pictured here is a scourge.
 
The Crowning of Thorns: This Sorrowful Mystery comes from Jesus before Pilate, John 19:2, "And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and placed it on his head." This Mystery is pictured with a crown of thorns.
 
The Virgin Mary Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, same as the top left lancet.
 
Although the exact date is unknown, this window was in place by 1944.

Height: 11'

Width: 6'

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