OUR LADY OF LOURDES

The central image in this widow contains a stained glass representation of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, France in the year 1858. She appeared to her on eighteen separate occasions and as all genuine Marian apparitions essentially delivered to Bernadette the Gospel message, which was increasingly being challenged by the Enlightenment. For a detailed description of the apparitions of Lourdes do a google search of Our Lady of Lourdes and go to the Wikipedia site. Lourdes has become the most visited Marian shrine in the world and a vibrant source of renewal in faith as well spiritual and physical healing for many.

Immediately surrounding the apparition image are twenty small light blue circles that represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary which our Lady urges us to pray and contemplate every day. On top of the image is blue triangle with a white/yellow center that represents the Trinity, who sent Mary to us at Lourdes. Surrounding the central image are large red/orange/yellow/blue fiery shapes that represent the grace that God willed to pour out unto the world through Mary's apparition at Fatima. In between some of the light blue circles are seven stars that represent the seven spirits (angels) that surround the throne of God in the book of Revelation. In the lower right hand of the window is the image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Which symbolizes the depths of her maternal and sacrificial love for us. In the lower right hand Conner of the window is an image of Pope John Paul II, who had a great devotion to our Mother and in particular to Our Lady of Lourdes, in her exhortation to live the Gospel. As Pope he made several pilgrimages to Lourdes. Just below the central image is the Cross-on, which is, superimposed the Eucharist, which is the central Christian image of the depths of God's love for us. To the right of the cross is a capital M, which represents Mary's unique and special cooperative role in effecting our salvation.