Fr. Frank O’Hara

My Guide to St. Kevin’s Stained Glass Windows

by Fr. Frank O’Hara

For thousands of years before the printing press, Catholics learned Bible stories from the scenes depicted on the glorious stained glass windows found in the grand cathedrals spread throughout Europe. That’s why I love the windows in St. Kevin Church–because they both artistically and reverently tell the stories of Christ’s life. Let me be your guide to our church’s beautiful windows.

I have also included a corresponding Bible passage that describes in detail what is shown on each of the windows.

On the rectory side of the church (on the right facing the rear doors), the first three windows show the events of Jesus’ birth and early life: the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the Presentation in the Temple.

The Annunciation is when the angel announces the Birth of Jesus, (Luke 1:26-38) and The Nativity scene shows The Birth of Jesus, (Luke 2:1-7). The third window illustrates The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, (Luke 2:22-24).

Moving to the school side of the church are windows showing six major actions of Jesus while on earth. Starting at the front of the church and in order moving toward the back of the church are windows displaying:

Jesus changing water into wine (John 2:1-10)

Jesus teaching in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-21)

Jesus blessing the children (Mark 10:13-16)

Jesus forgiving a sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50)

Jesus designating Peter the leader of the church (Mark 16:13-20)

Returning to the rectory side are windows showing Jesus’ final days:

Jesus at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-27)

Jesus dies on the Cross (Matthew 27:45-50)

In the back corner shrine are windows of

Jesus Ascending into Heaven (Matthew 28:16-20)

Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 7:11-16)

Perhaps the most magnificent of all the windows is the largest: the window over the old choir loft that honors Jesus as The Light of the World. This window is particularly glorious when lit from inside the church and viewed from the outside as its message forms the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Lastly, six saints are commemorated in windows along the back walls of the church, with three windows located on each side of the main entrance:

The windows on the right side of the entrance show St. Kevin, St. Julie Billiart, and St. Pius X, and the windows on the left side are depictions of St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Joseph. Don’t miss these windows!

The reproduction of Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist over the tabernacle is one of Raphael’s masterpieces.