THE JUBILEE WINDOWS

"The Stained Glass Windows installed on the occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph's College, are the design and crafting of Mr. Christopher Wallis, Master Glass Painter, of London, Ontario, whose designs were chosen from the submission of five makers of stained glass. The windows represent the Mysteries of Christ. The larger window at the north end represents the Holy Trinity. The two prevailing designs are the circle, which represents the eternity of God, and the flames, which represent the Holy Spirit.

The windows are made of the best English and European hand-made Antique, Potmetal, and Flashed Glass. They were made and installed from May 1984 to April, 1986.

The windows, and their installation, are gifts of faith. To all who have contributed, the College and the University of Alberta are deeply grateful. They have made possible a unique and enduring work of art which will give joy to many."


Wallace Platte, CSB





PICTURE GALLERY OF THE COLLEGE'S JUBILEE WINDOWS:








CREATION Out of the darkness comes the light. Chaos is pushed back in the expanding circles which radiate from the central golden sun. This divine sun is set within the star of creation. The swirling movement suggests the power of God. The shafts of light and the colour speak of his beauty. The central burning red is his love, from which creation comes.

COVENANT
God makes a covenant with man after the flood and promises never again to destroy the world. Over the Ark of Noah spreads protectively the divine name. Circling the whole image is the rainbow, the pledge of God's promise. A trinity of strong rays emanates from the Ark, while the rich colours speak of hope and of God's fidelity.











NATIVITY
In the stillness of the night, under the star of Bethlehem, Christ is born. The central white flower is Jesus. The surrounding gold flower is Mary, his mother. The royal colours of the star tell of the Magi who came by the light of faith to adore the Saviour. Peace and mystery prevail.










BAPTISM
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is baptized. The spirit of God, whose action is powerful, though unseen, fills the waters which flow around the world, for the cleansing of all. In the centre is the shell, the traditional vessel for baptism, which is a symbol of Christ, through whom we are washed of our sins. The gentle motion of the waters and the many shades of blue signify peace and hope.









MIRACLES
Jesus feeds the crowd of people with five loaves and two fish. The central radiating red is his love for humanity and the source of all he does. This miracle is a foretaste and promise of the Eucharist, the great gift of himself. The large background cross already suggests the sacrifice of Jesus, as the flames recall the presence and power of the Spirit with him.










LAST SUPPER
The daring use of black in this window tells of the solemnity and sorrow of the moment. The cup and the bread, which are the body and blood of the Lord, are on a table surrounded by the twelve stars representing the Apostles. Judas is less luminous and off centre. The dark band at the right leads to the following window, which depicts the death of the Lord.









CRUCIFIXION
Hung on the deep purple cross is the Crown of Thorns which carries the five great wounds of Christ done in red and pointed sharply. Sorrowful tones prevail, but the central band which has come from the preceding window is already lightening as it moves towards the resurrection of the Lord. This is the only window with no central light. Christ has died.








RESURRECTION
The Phoenix, ancient symbol of the rising of the Lord, sweeps out of the flames which have consumed it. Glorious colours, majestic movement, and marvelous grace of form tell of the resurrection of the lord and of his victory over sin and death. The band at the left comes from the cross, but it is now golden.












PENTECOST
The coming of the Holy Spirit is expressed with energy of movement and in flaming colours. The central dove is surrounded by the tongues of flame. He is the spirit of power and love. The Father and Son are seen in the rays to the right and left, while the grace of the Spirit flows downward to cover the whole world.












CHRIST IN GLORY
The movement of the Pentecost window is stilled in the rich, glowing glory of Christ, the King. The central crown is set in a large golden cross. All around are tiny stars, the saints in glory with Christ. The rainbow of the Covenant window is found again surrounding the glorious Christ. God has kept his promise.












THE TRINITY
The threefold Godhead is expressed by the triangle, repeated, enlarged, and interlocked throughout this, the largest of the windows. The central light is glowing red, speaking of the love of God. The presence, power, and being of God radiate gloriously to the outer geometric pattern, which is the Son, the manifestation of God in the world.