Today and tomorrow I am taking you on a trip to one of my previous parishes, the Cathedral at Baker City in Oregon, and precisely reflect on 6 images of Mary, depicted in the stained-glass windows, most of them going back 99 years. On August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption and we honor her today with one of the windows which you will see in full tomorrow.
The windows in the main body of the church were
crafted by the Povey Brothers of Portland in 1923. The other two closer to the
altar, of the Coronation and Pentecost were crafted by the Rambusch Company of
New York in 1958. Each image of Mary is different and yet the same. The
maternal aspect of each image portrays the affection, the anticipation, the
sorrow, the joy and the glory of Mary’s journey. The images here portrayed are
in a chronological sequence.
The first one shows the Annunciation, as the Angel Gabriel
brings her glad tidings, revealing that she was chosen by God to be the mother
of our Savior. There is a hesitant look on her face as she pondered the message
of the Angel, realizing that she was not married and yet was to become pregnant
as soon as she utters her historic YES.
The second image is at the Presentation of Jesus at the
temple, showing a look of anticipation and eagerness, moving forward with two
turtle doves, accompanied by St Joseph behind her. The offering of doves was a
requirement of the poor parents, while wealthy parents were to present two
sheep. Mary is also seen holding a candle, to remind us that the feast is known
as Candlemas day, and happened 40 days after the birth of Jesus, at which time,
the mother was to be purified by the High Priest. At the birth of a baby, any
mother would be considered impure for 40 days, and could not attend the temple
for the duration.
The third image is of the Sorrowful Mother under the cross, even with a tear trickling down her cheeks, accompanied by another Mary. Yet another Mary, of Magdala is kneeling down clasping the foot of the cross in this impressive depiction of the Crucifixion.
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