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Notre Dame Stained Glass Windows
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Stained glass windows have provided inspiration and beauty to churches around the world for centuries. The calmness of the colors along with the teachings described on them have inspired people to reflect on the goodness and joys of GOD. Each color stood for a specific thing: Blue for spiritual love, Red for blood, and Green for hope. All the windows in Notre Dame were made by Harry Horwood. Harry was born in England, migrated to Ottawa and then later to Prescott and finally to Ogdensburg around 1880. History does not tell us if Harry did the windows in the Opera House before Notre Dame; but he did both. It is believed that our windows were made around 1850 - 1876 which may predate the Opera House
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From Left to Right
St. Joachim, Immaculate Conception, and St. Anne with Mary.
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This window depicts the Crucifixion
There are three nails - one for each hand and one for Jesus feet.The crown of thorns and the sign represent what the people believed Jesus to be king of the Jews.
By doing this Jesus did not take suffering out of the world; but gave courage to bear suffering. Jesus was to change the symbol of shame, slavery and degradation to strength, glory and triumph. Followers would have to share the pain and submit to the Father's will to gain a resurrection.
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Grapes
Wine is made with grapes; and has been for centuries. In Biblical times wine was used for celebrations. At the last supper Jesus took wine from the Passover cup, and offered it- "this is the cup of my blood--- do this in memory of me." This joins to the giving and sacrifice.
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The Heart
If you look you will see the thorns around the Heart, a Cross at the top, and flames. The Heart represents the Heart of Jesus- who so loved the world that he died for for us. The thorns represents the crucifixion. The cross represents the way Jesus died for us. And the Flame indicates the eternal Love for us.
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The Lamb
The Lamb symbolizes Christ as the Paschal Lamb.
And also a symbol as Christ is Our Shepherd.
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Keyes
There are two Keyes- a priest has permission to use these in the Confessional: one forgive and one to bind forever.
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IHS
In this window you have to be a little detective to see the symbols. IHS are there. The Cross makes pare of the I and H, this is the abbreviation for "IHESUS"- the way Christ's name was spelled in the Middle Ages. This symbol; dates back to the 8th century
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