The Great Rose Window

The Central or Great Rose Window above the entrance to the church is thirty-six feet high and twenty-two feet wide. It has a frame of stone that was imported from Wurzburg, Germany. Each of the four smaller “roses” within the window are decorated with symbols of the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Matthew (upper left side) is represented by the human face because his Gospel gives focus to the Incarnation and genealogy of Jesus; Jesus was a human being with Davidic heritage.

Mark (lower right side) is represented by the lion because his Gospel give focus to Jesus as teacher and judge; the lion represents royalty and divine power. Also, in ancient days it was believed that lion cubs were born dead, but were given life from the breath of their father–the birth and coming to life of the lion is symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Luke (lower left side) is represented by the ox because his Gospel gives focus to the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission; oxen were animals typically used for sacrifices in Old Testament times.

John (upper right side) is represented by the eagle because his Gospel is the most “mystical” of all; the eagle soars to the heights of heaven; it is a mysterious bird and majestic in beauty.

A special thank you to Friar Timothy Dore, OFM Conv. for researching and providing the parish history and information for the website.