Featured Window

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 Beatitudes Part 2

Brief Description of Subject: This two lancet aisle window is located on the epistle side of the Felician Sisters 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 Felician Sisters Chapel uses a circle shape and the color of blue.
 
The Beatitudes occur at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. For this window, the beginning of a Beatitude is found in the left lancet, while the end of the Beatitude is found in the corresponding right lancet.
 
Starting at the top.
 
Top: The left and right lancets have identical tops. They are the wrong design for this window. The correct design can be seen on the window titled "The Beatitudes Part 1." The mistaken tops are the same as the ones on the "Eucharist" windows.
 
BLESSED are the merciful: Pictured here with an outstretched hand, a sign of compassion.
FOR they shall obtain mercy: Pictured are crossed keys. The gold key (heaven) with the image of a dove (Holy Spirit), and a silver key (earth) with the image of a fish (Jesus Christ). These are from Jesus' institution of the Sacrament of Penance (Matthew 16:17 - 19). Those who seek this sacrament shall receive God's mercy.
 
BLESSED are the clean of heart: A clean heart is loving God above all else. Pictured here are a crown (crown of life) and a palm leaf (victory over death. A variation of James 1:12, "The crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
FOR they shall see God: Pictured here is God (Deus) in the form of the Trinity --- (P)ater, (F)ilius, (S)piritus Sanctus.
 
BLESSED are the peacemakers: Pictured is the Temple of Peace, with the Chi Rho (Christ) and three capital M's (Mary) crossing each other. Mary is the Queen of Peace. Jesus is the giver of peace, (John 14:27), "Peace I leave with you, peace I give to you."
FOR they shall be called children of God: John 1:12, "To all who received him [Christ], to all those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Pictured here with Chi Rho (Christ).
 
BLESSED are they that suffer persecution for justice sake." This is pictured with a cat-o-nine tails, an instrument of torture.
FOR theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Pictured is the inscribed word "Jesus," a hill with three crosses (Calvary) and a crown topped with a cross. These are used to symbolize Jesus' words to the church in Smyrna where the believers were being persecuted, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer --- Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life," (Revelation 2:10).
 
Although the exact date is unknown, this window was in place by 1944.

Height: 11'

Width: 6'

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