Stained Glass Windows Project
Catholic Church Installs Ninth Of Twelve

by Fred Hernandez
On Tuesday, May 6th, the team of Custer County’s Glass Master Douglas Bayer installed the ninth stained glass window on the north side of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish church on 5th Street in Westcliffe town. The beautiful new stained-glass window is an integral part of the epic biblical story relating to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, with each of the tribes represented in each of the twelve windows. This ninth window in particular is representative of the tribe of Judah. The Biblical Narrative in the Book of John has it that Judah is the tribe of kings, the most preeminent of  the twelve tribes. Many important persons came from this tribe including King David.
In the Catholic church, the twelve tribes are known as the Old Covenant Community while the twelve apostles are the New Covenant Community established by our Lord Jesus. In the stained glass windows the names of the tribes are inscribed at the top of the window while at the bottom is featured the name of one of the apostles thus signifying the connection between the old and the new covenants with Jesus as the cornerstone.

The ninth window has Judah and a menorah on the top panel and the bottom has the name of the apostle Jude. Also known as Thaddeus, Jude is the patron saint of lost causes and impossible situations. The menorah, the seven branched candelabra, represents faith, holiness and the ever-present guidance of God. It reflects a deep connection to Jewish and Christian traditions. The calf resting in the shade of an acacia tree symbolizes the community with a gentle spirit and tranquility reminding us to approach life with kindness and respect. This window with sub-Saharan features depicts the importance of Africa with its fifty-four recognized countries, each with its own culture and several other unrecognized territories. Also noteworthy is the significance of African priests in our Diocese and Parish history as they overshadow our communities with their love, service and guidance much like the tree provides shade and comfort for the resting calf. A bird flies high in the sky symbolic of freedom, hope and a Divine connection that extends to the idea of transcending earthly limitations and reaching for higher ideals.

The bottom of the panel has a censer near the tree and violet flowers. The flowers depict humility, modesty and is a reminder of the widows and orphans; while the censer indicates the burning of incense with the smoke rising up as our prayer offerings to God. Throughout all the twelve windows the blue river of life is shown flowing prominently in the background indicating the nourishment it provides everywhere, even in parched lands. The beautiful landscape beckons thoughts of the new Jerusalem; God’s Heavenly
Kingdom is a lush and magnificent garden.

With only three more windows to go this project is almost completed. The Church looks appropriately beautiful just as the house of God should always be. Come and visit sometime and feel the warmth of God’s Fatherly presence. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
All for the Glory of God.