This sun catcher window is centered on the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. After centuries on theological reflection on
Sacred scripture,
sacred tradition, liturgical celebrations, popular devotion especially the
rosary, and with the urging of the
worldwide college of
bishops, Pope Pius the XII,
in the encyclical Munificentissimus Deus, declared the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to be a dogma of the
church. This was received with great joy by the Church. The encyclical reads in
part as follows: ŇFinally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from the stain
of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up
body and soul into heavenly glory, and was exalted by the Lord as Queen of all
things, so that she might be the more conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords
and conqueror of sin and death.Ó The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a
singular participation in her SonŐs Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection
of other Christians.
Above the image of the Assumption is a Dove that represents God the Holy
Spirit, through whose power Mary was assumed into Heaven. Surrounding the Holy Spirit in the edge
of the window are seven stars that represent the seven spirits (Angels) that
surround the throne of God in heaven as revealed in the book of Revelations.
Surrounding Mary and in between the stars are twenty bright blue circles that
represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary. The Assumption is the fourth
glorious Mystery. Below the central image of Mary are two large circles. The
one on the left is an ancient image of the holy name of Mary. The circle on the
right contains an image of the Virgin Mary that includes her Immaculate Heart,
which was pierced by a sword, and her SonŐs Crucifixion, as Simeon had had
prophesized.