Glasgow: St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, West end

The Beatitudes Rose Window

A rose window of geometric design.

This rose window depicts the eight Beatitudes, which are repressed in each of the 8 larger panels. Four smaller panels represent the four Virtues (temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice) and in the four centre panels are birds with symbolic meaning which are: the dove of peace, the pelican of self-sacrifice, the phoenix of rebirth and a raven representing the provenance of God. There is a small yellow rectangle of glass with the face of Christ in the centre of the window.

The Beatitudes are stated by Jesus in Matthew 5:3-10: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

This window was executed and installed in 1996 to mark the 150th Jubilee of the Parish of St. Alphonsus Church.

Artist:
Lorraine Lamond (1963-___) was born in Dumfries and studied at Glasgow School of Art, graduating with a first class honours degree in 1986.