The South Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Mass

1. Preparatory Prayers

            The preparatory prayers of the Mass contain four distinct elements: sorrow, longing, praise and petition.  Each of these elements is individually symbolized in the window and is contained within a motif that suggests a general upward movement.  This upward movement is important for it represents the raising of our prayers to God.

            At the top, figures of Mary, St. Michael, St. John the Baptist, and Ss. Peter and Paul express the thought of sorrow for our sins.  These are the saints who intercede for us in the ‘Confiteor.’   Directly above their heads is a triangle, representative of the Trinity to whom we direct our prayers.  The large cross at the very top reminds us that the ‘Introit’ was, in the earlier days of the Roman Church, a processional hymn that preceded the prayers before Mass.

            Centered on the left side of the window, the words “Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie” emphasize our longing for Our Lord and Savior.  These words represent the last relic of the Greek used in early Roman liturgy.

            Below, the idea of praise is presented. Here an angel conveys the spirit of the “Gloria,” which was first sung by the angels at the birth of Christ; the crown above the angel emphasizes the majestic character of this event.

            At the base of the window the collect, or ‘Opening Prayer,’ is pictured.  Now, all the faithful join their individual prayers with those of the Church.  The priest, represented by the shepherd’s staff, leads the faithful, seen here as the sheep, in prayer.  Covering these figures is the steeple and roof of the Church.