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Rose window dedicated to St John Neumann Print E-mail
Saturday, 14 January 2006

On the east wall above the entrance to our new church is a window that depicts the life of our patron saint, St. John Neumann. This page enlargens the rose pedals and center so that you can see the detailed art and the story within the stained glass that is visible from inside the church. Click the icon to view in a separate panel a larger picture of this window: jpg SJN Rose Window 919.63 Kb

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At the core of the window is the Cross with the "I Am" banner draped across its arm.  The eagle, preparing to take flight with a lily in its beak, symbolizes the beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross taking the mother of Jesus to his home.  The flight of the eagle with the lily is also a reminder that the Church, as the New Israel, will be protected throughout her earthly pilgrimage as prefigured in Exodus 19:4 and prophesized in Revelation 12:14. The fire upon the eagle's wing symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the supernatural fuel necessary to ignite the church's mission and carry its message to the ends of the earth, and until the end of time.   The good news of God's love for the world is manifested by the power of the Cross and is transmitted by hearts filled with that same love.
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The outer limits of the window, shown on the left side of the below panels, reveal in chronological order the life of Saint John Neumann (1811-1860) and his work in America. It reveals in beautiful glass how this Bohemian-born saint came to our shores and, moved by the strength from Christ's Passion, preached the word, taught the faith, celebrated the sacraments, welcomed immigrants, and shepherded his flock. He did all of this while establishing Catholic churches and schools and welcoming and supporting religious orders.

The twelve symbols on the right side of these panels are found at the inner part of each pedal and illustrate the twelve fruits of the Spirit revealed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self- Control, and Chastity.  This is the "fruit" of the tree of life, which the new Adam gives to His bride the Church, the new Eve. 

The first pedal of the window depicts the Europa on which John Neumann sailed to America (1836).  To the right is the symbol for "love." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The second pedal of the window depicts the ordination of John Neumann on June 19, 1836. To the right is the symbol for "joy." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The third pedal of the window depicts Father Neumann, the first priest in America, to be professed in the Redemptorist Order (1842). To the right is the symbol for "peace." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The fourth pedal of the window depicts Bishop John Neumann's coat of arms with the inscription "Passion of Christ strengthen me."  In 1852 he was consecrated the fourth bishop of Philadelphia.  To the right is the symbol for "patience." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The fifth pedal of the window depicts Bishop Neumann venerating the Blessed Sacrament; he introduced Forty Hours of Devotion on the Eucharist in America.  To the right is the symbol for "kindness." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The sixth pedal of the window depicts Bishop Neumann hearing confession.  He was competent in many languages that helped him care for his Catholic flock, who spoke German and Bohemian, Italian, French, English, and Gaelic.  He was a good shepherd till his dying day.  To the right is the symbol for "goodness." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The seventh pedal of the window depicts Father Neumann's ministry to the many immigrants to American, including Germans, Italians, and Irishman.  To the right is the symbol for "generosity." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The eight pedal of the window depicts Father Neumann's leadership in the construction/finance of St. Philomena in Pittsburgh and symbolizes the more than 80 churches that he began under his tenure as Bishop of Philadelphia to meet the needs of immigrants.  He created the first Italian parish in America.  To the right is a symbol for "gentleness." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The ninth pedal of the window depicts Bishop Neumann with school children symbolizing the first unified Catholic school system in America.  The pedal replicates a painting by Giavanni Gagliardi, circa 1860.  To the right is the symbol for "faithfulness." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The tenth pedal of the window depicts Bishop Neumann with Sister Mary Francis, Sister Mary Margaret, and Sister Mary Bernardine of the Sisters of St. Francis to symbolize his founding role in orders for women. He brought seven new orders to teach in Philadephia. To the right is the symbol for "modesty." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The eleventh pedal of the window replicates the 1855 Munich lithograph of Bishop Neumann taken during a visit to his homeland following his attendance at Pope Pius IX's proclamation of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.  To the right is the symbol for "self-control." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The twelfth pedal of the window depicts the church of 2009 dedicated to St. John Neumann - and may we go forward together to build up a real civilization of love by the living power of our patron saint.  To the right is the symbol for "chastity." CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
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The following sources were used to compile information about St. John Neumann.

  • Biography excerpted from http://themissionchurch.com/stjohnneumann.htm
  • Discussion about Bishop Neumann's decision to implement the 40 Hours of Devotion excerpted from http://www.catholicism.org/john-nepomucene-neumann.html
  • Miracles attributed to St John Neumann excerpted from http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Neumann__Saint_John.html
  • Canonization letter excerpted from http://www.stjohnneumannrcc.com/StCanonization.htm
Last Updated ( Saturday, 20 September 2008 )
 
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