Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church

Studio Name: Willet Hauser Architectural Glass

City: Hamtramck

Window Shape: 3 (arched)

Date of Window: 1951

Subject/Title of Window: Scenes After the Crucifixion

Brief Description of Subject: This is the last of three windows located on the south wall of the transept. They picture scenes of Jesus' ministry before the Crucifixion, the Crucifixion, and after the Crucifixion, respectively.
 
The scenes are in chronological order starting at the Top. All quotes are from the NRSVCE Bible.
 
Scene 1: The Resurrection.:
 
The actual resurrection is not covered in the Bible so artists are left to their own imagination. As presented here, Christ is stepping out of the tomb holding the "Victory Over Death" banner. To his left is a Roman guard that Pilate had ordered to guard the tomb; he is cowering in fear by what is occuring. To the right is an adoring angel.
 
Scene 2: On the Road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13 - 33.
 
On Easter Sunday two men were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus discussing the extraordinary events of that day, when Christ joined them, but they were kept from recognizing him. Christ then began discussing with them all the things in scriptures that the prophets had written about the expected Messiah. As they came to a village they invited the stranger to stay and eat with them.
 
This scene illuminates verse 30 - 31, "When he [Jesus] was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him."
 
Scene 3: The Ascension of Jesus. Acts 1:6 - 11.
 
The disciples had come together and Jesus told them, " 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' When he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of sight. While he was going --- they were gazing up towards heaven."
 
This window illuminates Jesus, with stigmata, rising up into a cloud. The disciples and the Virgin Mary are seen gazing up towards heaven. Although not mentioned in scriptures describing the Ascension, the Virgin Mary is traditionally pictured as a witness to her Son's ascension. Kneeling next to her is the Apostle John, the one Jesus loved. He is identifiable as he is traditionally the only Apostle pictured as young and clean shaven.
 
Scene 4: The Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1 -4.
 
"When the day of Pentecost [a Jewish Holiday] had come, they were all gathered in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like a rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit [descending dove at top of scene].
 
Although not specifically mentioned in scriptures that the Virgin Mary was present, she is quite often pictured, as here, taking center stage.
 
Scene 5: The Martyrdom of Stephen. Acts 7:54 - 60
 
Stephen was arrested and brought before the council, where he delivered a blistering speech. He ended the speech with, "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it." The council now "became enraged and ground their teeth."
 
This scene depicts what happened next. "They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. ... While they were stoning Stephen ... he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord do not hold this sin against them.' "
 
This window was donated in memory of Martha Lewandowski.

Inscriptions: In Memory of Martha Lewandowski


Height: 17'

Width: 2'

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