Rose Window

A Story of the Rose Window

The rose window, French in origin, is one of the most beautiful and characteristic features of medieval architecture. Earliest examples are found in Cathedrals of France at Notre Dame Leon and Chartres. In the sixth century Pope Gregory the Great made a plea that scriptural scenes be depicted on the walls of churches for the benefit of the faithful. One very lovely stained glass window in St. Monica Church is the rose window which is now very visible as one looks up to the choir loft.

The history of St. Monica Parish published on the 75th anniversary says: The Rose Window was imported from Germany at a cost of $600 donated by Edmund Herrick family. It measures 12 feet in diameter.

The large center circle shows St. Cecilia at the organ with two cherubs showering roses upon her. St. Cecilia was born in Rome and raised a Christian. She was married against her will to Valerian and convinced him to respect her virginity and become a Christian. Legend has it that at her wedding she did not hear the nuptial music and sounds of merriment but sat apart singing to God in her heart. She was martyred in the third century. She is the patroness of sacred music. Each year on November 22 we celebrate her feast.

	The dove signifies the Holy Spirit and his presence hovering over the Church.
	St. John, the youngest apostle and evangelist, wrote the fourth gospel, three epistles and Revelations. In his hand he holds a chalice with a serpent. Early writers state that John once drank from a poisoned chalice and was unharmed. Jesus said once that John should drink of his cup. He is called the Beloved Disciple. His feast is celebrated on December 27th.
	One of the earliest symbols of the Eucharist is the pelican. The mother pelican pierced her breast to feed her young with her own blood. Christ gave His blood for us and nourishes us in Holy Eucharist.
	St. Luke, evangelist wrote the third gospel and Acts of the Apostles. He was a physician and companion of Paul. He is patron of the medical profession, painters, and artists. His feast is October 22nd.
	The Lamb bearing the banner with a cross symbolizes the joyful victory over death won by Christ. Lambs were victims of sacrifice in the Old Testament and prophets foresaw Christ the Redeemer as the Lamb slain for the sins of all mankind.
	St. Mark, evangelist is the author of the second gospel He was a companion of Peter and Paul on their missionary journeys. St. Mark's feastday is April 25th.
	The chalice with host symbolizes the Last Supper, the sacrifice of Christ which is continued daily upon our altars in every celebration of the Mass.
	St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist, wrote the first gospel. He was a tax collector called by Christ to follow him. He is the patron of accountants and custom officers. We celebrate his feast on September 21st.