Have you ever walked into a building and wondered at its architectural structure and design? Vivid memories of my family's first parish — the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Cypress Hills, NY — bring a smile to my face. I couldn't help but parade up and down the aisles before and after Mass, swinging my head in all directions trying to take in the stunning beauty of the church ceiling, the statues, the floors, and the windows. In short time I learned that the statues represented the saints, and that the pretty windows were called stained glass windows.
Stained glass windows reached their popularity during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when most people could not read. Their purpose was educational and inspirational, particularly in churches, as the windows depicted figures from the Gospel. This purpose remains true even today. Historical sites and churches in different countries attract tourists from around the world, and even if you have never studied art history, the art itself teaches.
Any visitor to the Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel in Warner, NH will notice its stained glass windows and question their symbolisms and meanings. The figurative designs incorporated in these windows represent the saints and patrons of Magdalen College. Restored from the chapel's original location in Bedford, the twelve windows are like steady pillars reflecting the Church's diverse unity. The stained glass windows depict the Eastern and Western Doctors of the Church and their contributions to her intellectual and spiritual heritage.
Since the sun rises from the east, the first window on the eastern side of the chapel portrays the Resurrected Christ. The Sun's light radiates the glory of Christ, who appeared to Mary Magdalen and called her by name. Directly across from Christ on the opposite window is Mary Magdalen, holding a jar of nard. She responds "Rabboni," or "Teacher." As the College Patroness, Mary Magdalen represents the tri-fold reality of Magdalen College: (1) conversion to Christ; (2) the laity in service to Christ; (3) Apostleship. The Lord sent her to bring the good news to the apostles.
The east windows start with the first Doctor of the Church, St. Paul, who traveled from the east to evangelize the west. Paul carries a book, which symbolizes the cutting edge of truth, and beside him stands a lion. Following Paul is St. Basil the Great, who steadily influenced and counseled the Church during periods of unrest. The third eastern doctor represented is St. John Chrysostom, the "Golden Mouth." He shows us that Christian witness is the most effective means of evangelization.
St. Gregory of Nazianzen is depicted on the fifth window. This friendly bishop gives us the impetus to revere, support, and pray for our shepherds. A bishop is entrusted the care of the flock and must therefore be priest, teacher, and ruler. We the sheep must demonstrate our love through unity, docility, and obedience.
On the west side, St. Augustine and the Child with a pail instruct us on the place of divine illumination in the intellectual life. The "Doctor of Grace" tells a rationalistic world: "credo ut intelligiam" as "I believe in order that I may know." Faith illumines reason rather than contradict it. And next to him is the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas, the great example of the proper attitude toward study — he always prayed before and after he thought or wrote.
St. Gregory the Great follows, holding an organ in his right hand. His inspirational music shows us of the importance of beautiful music to the development of the human being and its vitality to the life of the Church. A man without a song in his heart and a Church without heavenly music in her bosom are like a tree whose roots can seek no water. From St. Gregory we learn of the excellence of the Holy See in Rome.
The tenth stained glass window depicts St. Bernard, the "practical doctor." St. Bernard shows us that Christian life is human life, and every human being has a mother. He prays with open arms to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother.
The window inside the Sacristy shows St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with a young student. St. Elizabeth was the first American-born citizen to be canonized and one of the keystones of the Catholic Church in America. She founded the first American parish school and is the patroness of education.
St. John Neumann is represented in the vestibule's stained glass window. The humble founder of Catholic education in the United States exemplifies true love for the people.
Finally, the stained glass window in the choir loft portrays the Holy Family of Nazareth. As the perfect domestic church on earth, the Holy Family is the image of the Blessed Trinity. The dove above Jesus' head represents the Holy Spirit, the fount of love and center of our lives.
All of these stained glass windows point to Christ in the tabernacle, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Christ calls us to Himself, "I will give you rest." Upon entering the chapel, you face Him and He faces you.
So, the next time you walk into a Church, not only speak to your God as you kneel in prayer, but take a moment to really notice the temple's unique construction. For even the humblest tools will lead your eyes, your heart, and your soul to God.
The Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel is located at the Magdalen College Campus in Warner, NH. For more information visit www.Magdalen.edu.
