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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 Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

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.
 
Left lancet, top to bottom.
 
Pictured is "IHS," the first three Greek letters for their word for "Jesus," and a cross (Christ).
 
Admonish the Sinner: Give correction when needed. "My brothers, ... remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins," (James 5:19 - 20). This is illustrated with a right hand pointing in a pose of reproach over a thistle (sin).
 
Instruct the Ignorant: This means to teach the good news of Jesus to those who have not heard it. It is illustrated here with a right hand in a teaching pose over a cross (Jesus).
 
Counsel the Doubtful: Give advice to those in need. Pictured is a profile of a face speaking to an ear, bridged by the word "LOGOS" --- in this context, translates as "message". This illustrates the words Jesus uses for the churches he is counseling in Revelations Chapter 3, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
 
Comfort the Afflicted: Comfort those that suffer. Pictured here with a facial image on a veil. This comes from the story that on the Via Dolorosa, a woman named Veronica, to give comfort to Jesus, uses her veil to wipe the sweat from Jesus, which leaves an image of his face on her veil.
 
Right lancet, starting at the top.
 
Top, same as top of left lancet.
 
A Greek Cross: There are only seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. This is a filler to complete the eight spaces on the window. The Greek Cross, a cross with equal arms, most often symbolizes the Christian Church.
 
Pray For the Living and the Dead: This is pictured with an open prayer book.
 
Forgive Injustices: Forgive those who hurt us wrongly. Probably the objects pictured are the crown of thorns, and three triangles (Calvary). While on the cross "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing' " (Luke 23:34).
 
Bear Wrongs Patiently: Be patient with others is pictured here with a scourge and a pillar. This probably is referencing Jesus before Pilate as covered in Matthew 27:11 - 26. In verse 26 "he had Jesus flogged." This would have entailed being tied to a pillar and scourged. During this trial before Pilate, Jesus exhibited bearing wrongs patiently in verse 13 - 14, " 'Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But Jesus made no reply, not even a single exchange --- to the great amazement of the governor."
 
Although the exact date is unknown, this window was in place by 1944.

Height: 11'

Width: 6'

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