 | Our Stained Glass WindowsMysteries
of the Rosary The presence of stained glass windows is not only aesthetic but devotional. Uniquely, Holy Rosary's windows reflect its very name: fourteen of the sixteen windows in the main body of the church depict the Mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary is a form of devotional prayer that emphasized meditation on fifteen important events in the lives of Jesus and His Mother.
The Joyful Mysteries are located on the East wall: Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, the Presentation of the Infant Jesus, and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. Note that the last window is now inside the lavatory which was installed in 1992. Observant visitors will also notice that St. Francis of Assisi is in the Nativity scene. He is credited with popularizing the creche at Christmas, so the artist included him in the window scene!
The Sorrowful Mysteries are combined into four windows, two near each of the side entrances. They are: the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar and Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
The Glorious Mysteries are located on the west wall of the church and are: the Resurrection, Ascension, Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Assumption of Mary into Heaven, and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. (The Coronation window is located inside the Reconciliation room.)
Historical Background for the Windows
The stained glass windows in the nave of Holy Rosary are built in a style called Munich. During the later half of the 1800's and the early 1900's, many Catholic churches in the United States imported their windows from studios that grew out of the Munich school. Most Munich style windows have some distinguishing characteristics. The figures are highly realistic, painted on antique colored glass using what is called the trace and matte technique. The figures are usually set in scenes framed by elaborate white and gold columns and canopies. Although the records have not yet been found, these windows were most likely ordered from Chicago or were possibly crafted by the Ford Glass Company in St. Paul.
|  | | | | | Jesus and the Little Children | |
| |  | | | | | St. Dominic Receiving the Rosary | |
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The Transept Windows
(1905)Inside the Sanctuary are two other windows, one depicting Jesus and the Little Children, and the other showing St. Dominic receiving the Rosary from the Blessed Virgin. Depending on who you talk to in the parish, there are two interpretations of St. Dominic Receiving the Rosary window. Some believe that in this window is St. Kevin, a Celtic abbot/bishop, whose symbol of a goose identifies him. His inclusion in this scene is believed to be a triubte to the many Irish immigrants who, along with the Dominican Friars, built our church. Others offer a different interpretation. The goose which is between St. Dominic and St. Kevin actually belongs to the former symoblizing the preacher's loud voice. The figure on the left is said to be St. Augustine who is holding in his hands a copy of the Rule which is the foundation of the Dominican Order.
The Windows in the Back of the Church | Note: The full length of the panel windows below the rose window are obstructed from view since 1961 when the organ was built in the church. |
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The tour is an updated version of the original text prepared by Fr. John E. Schwind, O.P. and the Holy Rosary Liturgical Committee, 1978. and to the addendums made by Anna-Marie Byrne and Edward J. McDermott, 1998; photos added by Bro. Don Kania, O.P., 2002.
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