During the Middle Ages, the stained glass windows of cathedrals and parish churches alike were known as the “poor man’s Bible,” because in an era in which few could read and fewer still could afford books the windows of churches told the stories of the Bible and the lives of the saints. In our own age also, stained glass windows elevate our minds toward things divine, and remind us of the great faith-figures, who have gone before us, left us their examples and intercede for us in the heavenly courts.
We are blessed at Saint Mary Parish to have windows of great beauty. They are always there, like old friends, fixtures in their various places. Yet how often do we really look at them, investigate the stories they tell, ponder their significance?
It is hoped that in some small way the history and meaning of the windows of St. Mary will open our eyes to them, enrich our understanding of their symbolism, and, above all, enable us to follow in the footsteps of Our Lord with the ever-present intercession of his Blessed Mother in whose honor our church and our parish are dedicated.
These photographs are courtesy of Gary Arnal. We are most grateful to Mr. Arnal,
a member of Saint Mary Parish, for his interest and generosity with this project.
The window scripts were written by Father Michael J. Harkins.