The South Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Mass

8. Communion   

            The prayer “Pater Noster” (Our Father) that begins the communion of the Mass, may be seen to have a two-fold significance.  It is a prayer of both giving and receiving.  The reciprocal nature of this prayer, and indeed of the whole communion of the Mass, is emphasized by the form that flows both upwards and downwards from the words “Pater Noster” that are centered in the window.

            Moving upwards within this form, the grapes and wheat remind us of the material gifts of the sacrament.  The chalice and the host-like object between the grapes and wheat recall the practice of the early popes who took a portion of the consecrated host and broke it into seven pieces.  These pieces of the host were then given to seven deacons.  Each deacon carried his piece to one of the seven churches that then surrounded Rome where it was mingled with the precious blood in the Mass that followed.  By this action, each of the churches joined the pope in demonstrating its unity with the Church of Rome and their mutual union in Christ’s body.

            Above the chalice is the form of a fish, the symbol of Christ.  Attached to the lower right-hand side of the fish are three smaller fish, which tell us that those who partake of the Body of Christ become Christ-like.  The crown to the left of the large fish suggests that the present reception of communion is a pledge of the future glory of heaven.

            The cross, superimposed on the large fish, is another reference to the passion of Jesus.  The fruit-bearing branches at the top of the window allude to the life-bearing fruit that was borne on the tree of the cross.

            The second theme is found in the lower half of the window.  Anyone, having partaken of the fruit of the Tree of Life that is received in Holy Communion, in turn gives oneself to God.  This idea is represented by the figure of a person with arms outstretched in offering.   God is represented by the triangle that is situated immediately behind.  At the very bottom of the window is the tree of evil that has been uprooted and must now suffer its own death.