Our stained glass windows were installed in the old church in 1905. They were transferred to the new building when it was completed.
These image descriptions are from the St. Edward’s Diamond Jubilee 1905-1980 booklet.
In the Steeple
St. Edward Window
In the clerestory, high above the altar, is the stained glass honoring our patron,
Saint Edward, King of England, who died in January of the year 1066.
In the Church
The windows on the west side of the Church are paired with those on the east side.
Benediction Window
Catholics firmly believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Sacrament is kept in a tabernacle and at times is exposed in a monstrance for prayers of adoration. The window nearest the sanctuary on the west side portrays a monstrance holding a sacred host, the Body of Christ.
Mass Window
In the Mass the priest says the words “This is My Body” over ordinary bread, and “This is My Blood” over the chalice of ordinary wine. In this memorial of the Last Supper Jesus changes the bread into His Body and the wine into His Blood, in a mystical renewal of His death on the cross. The Mass window, on the east side, shows the Host over the Chalice.
Paradise Window
The hill of Calvary is in purple, a reminder that we are sinners. The cross is in gold because it is a Resurrection Cross. The flowers represent paradise, and the tiny bird at the center of the cross represents immortality. The words “Jesus and Mary, My Strength and My Glory” remind us that Jesus is the one mediator and Mary is out mother and intercessor, who by their strength lead us to glory.
Lamb of God Window
In the Book of Revelation angels sang to the Lamb, “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain. With your blood you purchased for God men of every race and tongue, or every people and nation.” Our Lamb of God window recalls that angelic hymn.
Immaculate Heart Window
Simeon said to the Virgin Mary, “This child is destined for the downfall and rise of many… and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword.” The heart of Mary is portrayed with a sword of sorrow, but is surrounded with a crown of roses and surmounted with flames of love for God, and lilies representing the perpetual virginity of the Mother of God.
Sacred Heart Window
The heart of Jesus was pierced by a soldier’s lance. Around the heart is a crown of thorns reminiscent of the crown he received the night before he died. Above the heart is a cross amid flames of love for God the father and for mankind.
Ave Maria Window
This window recalls popular Catholic devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and our Mother. Ave Maria means “Hail Mary,” the first words of a favorite prayer. The beads of a rosary may be seen in a garland of roses. On the left are a brown and a green scapular, symbols of devotion to Mary worn with one’s garments. On the right may be seen a medal, reminding us of our heavenly mother, the Virgin Mary.
St. Joseph Lily Window
St. Joseph, the chaste husband of the Virgin Mary, is a principal patron of the Catholic Church. Catholics honor him for his moral purity, symbolized by the lilies. Catholics ask St. Joseph’s intercession before God’s throne of grace that they also may be pure in body and soul.
The Good Shepherd Window
In the Chapel
The Christie Window
This window has the coat of arms of Archbishop Alexander Christie, who blessed St. Edward’s Church on September 10, 1905. The motto “En Fide et Lenitate” may be rendered in English as “Through Faith and Persuasion.”
The Dove Window
On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the embers of the fledgling church in the form of a dove and parted tongues of fire, while a strong wind accompanied the visible manifestation of the presence of God. Catholics still depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for preservation of the Faith within the Catholic Church.
The Pelican Window
As the adult white pelican feeds its young, the overcoating of white feathers is disturbed, showing the undercoat of red feathers. This suggested to Christians the idea of using the pelican as a symbol of the Blessed Sacrament. On the night before he died Jesus gave us the gift of His Body and Blood as food and drink for our souls.