ST. MARTIN OF TOURS

 

 

     The central image in this Christian stained glass window is St. Martin of Tours as he was being consecrated as Bishop. He is depicted as reluctant to be made Bishop of Tours, as he preferred to remain a monk.  He was a most effective bishop and was responsible for the evangelization of central Gaul (now France), and successfully combating heresies. His detailed biography recounts many miracles associated with ministry. He died in the year 397 at 81 of natural causes. For a more detailed account of this important saint go to www.newadvent.org.

 

     Right above the image of St Martin is an image of the Holy Spirit that led St. Martin throughout his life. Above the Holy Spirit are seven winged like shapes that represent the seven spirits of God mentioned in the Apocalypse.  In the outer frame of the window are twenty light blue circles that represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary that are a contemplation of the life of Christ. In between the mysteries of the rosary are eighteen stars that represent the angels that were allocated to St. MartinŐs Episcopal ministry. Directly below the central image is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which St. Martin conformed his own heart. To the right of the Sacred Heart is an image of The Holy Eucharist, which St. Martin celebrated and offered up every day with holy devotion. To the left of the Sacred Heart is an image of the coat of arms of the current archbishop of Tours, France, Mgr Bernard Nicolas Aubertin.