Our Lady & All Saints Catholic Church, Otley

STAINED GLASS WINDOW

From the 3rd. century onwards Christianity accepted representational
art and hence stained glass windows became one of the vehicles.

Accordingly in the 8th century the following statement was made:-
"As perfect man Christ not only can but must be represented and worshipped in images. Let this be denied and Christ's economy of salvation is virtually destroyed."

The Pear
alludes to Christ's love of mankind and so appears in the left-hand light with the Calvary in the far distance.

 

Click the image for a larger version.

 

The Bulrush
has become a symbol of the faithful multitude who abide by the teaching of the Church.

 

The Apple
is the fruit of salvation.

 

The Vine
stands for Christ himself (John 15:1).

 

The Pomegranate
represents the hope of resurrection and the hope of immortality.

 

The Strawberries
represent the fruits of the Spirit or perfect righteousness.

 

The Iris
is used as an alternative to the lily to represent Our Lady and so suggests her presence.

 

The Palm
in the right-hand light stands for the martyrs' triumph over death.

 

The Fern and Violet
are both symbols of humility because of their habit of hiding themselves away from view.

 

The Water
in the garden is the water of life, of baptism and rebirth. The plant in front of the palm is the hissop which is connected with baptism.

 

The White Rose
represents purity, as do the lilies.

 

 The Red Rose
is the symbol of martyrdom.

The Wheatfield
running across the middle distance and the ears of grain used as a border motif call to mind the Eucharist.