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| Photo courtesy of Steve Rose |
Anchor: symbol of Hope
Chalice: the metal drinking goblet used to hold the consecrated wine of the Eucharist, refers to the
Last Supper and to Christ’s sacrifice on the ross. It can also be shown with the host, the bread of the Eucharist.
Wheat, Grapes: A sheaf of wheat, as well as the host, refers to the Eucharist, the bread which Christ
said was his body. Likewise a grape vine or a cluster of grapes refer to the Wine, which Christ said was his blood.
Halo: is a conventional symbol of radiant light placed around the heads of saints to indicate their holiness.
Crosier: the ornate staff, resembling a shepherd’s crook, which is carried by bishops, symbolizes
their role as shepherds of the "flock of Christ". Often shown with the Bishop’s hat.
Crown: a symbol of victory or royalty, it is worn by God the Father, Christ and the Virgin Mary as a
sign of their sovereignty over the kingdom of heaven.
Crown of Thorns: was placed on Christ’s head in the Passion, as a mockery, but it is a sign of
his suffering and his triumph over death.
Papal Tiara: a triple crown surmounted by a cross, represents the three persons of the Trinity.
Carpenter’s Square, Ruler and Axe: refers to the builders of the Church, and is a small tribute
to them. Medieval artisans sometimes referred to themselves in this way in the windows of Medieval cathedrals.
Crescent Moon: symbol of the Immaculate Conception, and of a new beginning.
Dove: The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost, is represented as a dove in accordance with the descriptions
of its descent upon Jesus during his Baptism. The dove is also regularly depicted in association with the Annunciation.
| The Eye |
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| Photo courtesy of Steve Rose |
Fountain: The "fountain of life" or the ‘fountain of living waters’ is used as a symbol of
salvation in the Old Testament and in the Revelation of St. John. Christ is often depicted as "fountain of life and ‘well
of living water’. The Virgin Mary is also associated with a fountain, sometimes she is in an enclosed garden with fountain.
Eye: The Eye, ever-open, is a symbol of the Eye of God and His Omniscience. Sometimes it is inside a
Triangle, emblem of the Trinity.
Garment: refers to the Passion of Christ. The Roman soldiers gambled over Jesus’ seamless garment
(here a priestly robe).
Hourglass: the movements of the grains of sand as they fall from the upper compartment of an hourglass
to the lower is a sign of the unceasing passage of time and a symbol of the brevity of human life.
Immaculate Heart of Mary: emits flames of Divine love, it can be wrapped in roses, crowned with lilies,
pierced with the dagger of sorrows.
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| Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Krug |
Instruments of the Passion: a term usually applied to the implements used in the Crucifixion of
Christ or associated with his suffering during the Passion. The chief instrument of the Passion is the CROSS, but many
other symbols included the NAILS, LANCE, SPONGE, COLUMN, CROWN OF THORNS, CHALICE, WASHBASIN and also the LAMB OF GOD. As
well we can find the LANTERN, TORCH, ROPE, SWORD, CLUB, STAFF, THE PURSE OF JUDAS, THE CAT OF NINE TALES OF THE FLAGELLATION,
THE LADDER, HAMMER, PINCERS, ROBE and DICE associated with the Crucifixion itself (John 19: 23, 24).
Bag of Thirty Pieces of Silver, or The Purse of Judas: represents the silver for which Jesus was betrayed.
Iris: because of its sword-shaped leaves, symbolizes the foreshadowing the foreshadowing grief of Mary
at the Crucifixion of Christ.
Keys: One or two large keys are the special attributes of St. Peter. The keys allude to the passage in the gospel of
Matthew (16:19) in which Christ says to Peter: "I will give unto you the kingdom of heaven". Peter is considered the first
Pope, and the Keys are often shown with the Papal Coast of Arms.
Trefoil: since it is a single figure composed of three lobes (as in the shamrock) is used as a symbol
of the three persons of the Trinity.
Scapular: symbol of the Virgin Mary as Queen of the Holy Rosary.
| The Entrance |
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| Photo courtesy of Frank Scheme |
Musical Instruments: refer to the musical instruments found in the Old Testament and to the singing of
choirs. They include ORGAN (attribute of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music) TRUMPETS (Triumph, the Last Judgment), Violins
and the Harp (of David, or the Celtic Harp).
Entrance:
Over the front inside door: Stained Glass semi-circular window depicting IHS, one of several MONOGRAM SYMBOLS
for CHRIST. I H S is derived from the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus, which can be spelled "Hisus. . . In
more recent tradition, I H S stands for the Latin phrase "Iesus Hominum Salvator" (Jesus, Saviour of Mankind).
Stained Glass Windows over the Choir
These windows were also built by Castle and Co. of Montreal. From left to right, they depict, Saint Patrick,
Saint Ann, (the Virgin?) and Saint Joseph. This is how they were described in 1890 by the Ottawa Journal, reporting
on the opening of the church. It is unlikely that the third figure is the Virgin, however. Possibly it represents Saint John
the Evangelist.
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