The Stained-Glass Rose Window

The German-crafted rose window though it seems small, spans 14  feet in diameter.  This window, commissioned in 1913, had to await the end of World War I before being delivered from Europe. This window, with its refined and intricate colors , was the winner of a prize for fine stained glass held in Belgium in 1914.  Believing the window to be a casualty of the war, the window arrived much to everyone’s surprise from Europe in 1921, 2 years after the re-opening of St. Dunstan’s.

In the center of the window are the letters IHS, which is a common Catholic symbol.  IHS is an abbreviation of the Greek word Iēsous, which is the name "Jesus". The IHS is embossed on a white circle with rays radiating from it.  This represents the Holy Eucharist (communion), the source and summit of the Christian life.  There are 8 angels adoring the eucharistic center. 

The rose window also features the four gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with four early doctors of the Catholic Church: St. Gregory, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. Ambrose. 

Please go to the front of the altar for the next stop.