Praying with Stained Glass Images: The Glorious Mysteries

By: Stephen Driscoll on December 22nd, 2024

Praying with Stained Glass Images: The Glorious Mysteries

family prayer | pray the rosary | Praying with images | Glorious Mysteries

Do you know the origins of stained glass windows in Catholic churches?

Colored glass in windows has been used in churches since the early days of the Faith, but it wasn’t until the monumental Gothic works of the 11th and 12th centuries that the art form became a staple. These cathedrals were enormous works of stone and required a substantial amount of light to keep them from being gloomy caves of gray inside.

To brighten things up further, they decorated them richly with beautiful stained glass rather than using simple translucent glass. These splendid works of art not only brought light to the cathedrals but bathed them in brilliant color; most importantly, they instructed the faithful in a simple, engaging, and, yes, beautiful way. These masterpieces, then and now, lift the soul to God.

Since the early days of the Church, Christians have used art and images to share the Good News and tell Christ’s story. Frescoes, paintings, and other traditional art forms were the most common and notable examples from the early Church. Over time, artists experimented with different styles and mediums, and new art forms emerged.

These magnificent works of art catechized the faithful and served as a focus for prayer. People attending Mass or seeking a quiet place could meditate on them, learning about the Bible and bringing the Gospel to life! In light of this long-standing tradition, this series of Praying with Images (some refer to as visio divina*) will use stained glass images to represent the Mysteries of the Rosary and reflections from Venerable Patrick Peyton. These images, like the stained glass of the cathedrals of old Europe, are intended to instruct us in certain truths about the faith and give us a reference point so we may meditate on the mysteries.

Venerable Patrick Peyton’s reflections from the Father Peyton Rosary Prayer Book will serve as a guide to your own meditations on the life of Christ.

*Visio Divina is a prayer practice in which one reflects on religious images or art to help develop or grow in a deeper understanding of faith. **Peyton, Patrick. Father Peyton’s Rosary Prayer Book. Ignatius Press, 2012.

To scroll through the images, click the small arrow at the bottom right of each photo.

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

Reflection:

“The Gospel of John tells us that just before Jesus made His last journey to Jerusalem, He gathered His disciples about Him and said plainly: “The Son of Man is to be abandoned into the hands of men. They are going to kill Him. Three days later He will rise again.” These last words which strike such a triumphant note were not understood by the disciples. “They were overcome with sorrow.” Their bitter grief proved their great love for Jesus, but it also proved their utter lack of hope in His glorious Easter victory over sin and death. Christ’s Resurrection was not just a marvelous event. It drove despair out of the world. It was Christ’s way of promising that we too shall live forever.” (46)

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord

Reflection:

“The Apostles stood on Olivet, eyes wide open, their gaze turned heavenward, their hearts beating hard. Jesus had just vanished from their sight above a silvery cloud that shimmered in the radiance of His glow. He had come to earth as a helpless Child; now He was leaving this earthly home as the world’s Redeemer. The little group on Olivet stood in silent, joyful prayer, their hearts ascending with Him. Heaven was reflected in their eyes—until angels’ chiding words brought them hurriedly down to earth. Christ’s cross was the road to His glorious Ascension. That is why the angels sent the Apostles back to the city—to take up their daily lives filled with joys and sorrows.” (67)

Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Reflection:

“On Pentecost, the Church’s birthday, three thousand candles were lit—three thousand souls enlightened with the grace of faith. From the simple eloquence of the Apostle Peter went forth the power of God, and those who had that morning been citizens of a dozen nations, and strangers to one another, were now “one in Christ.” Their sudden, spontaneous confession that a crucified Nazarene was God and Savior was a stupendous miracle of God’s grace, as well as a testimonial to our inviolable free will. The grace of Pentecost was offered to many, but it bore fruit only in those who opened their hearts to it. Thank you, God, for the gift of faith.” (68)

Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

Reflection:

“An echo, although it has a sound of its own, presupposes some other sound. So Mary’s Assumption, in itself a glorious mystery, harks back to the still greater mystery of Christ’s Incarnation. God came into the world by His own divine power. Mary, although the chosen one, was still but a creature, as little able to do anything without God’s help as you and I. She was, then, glorified by the power of God. And as Calvary was the price of her Son’s victory, so Mary’s Assumption was preceded by her life of service. Mary’s triumph was like her Son’s because her heart was like His.” (69)

Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary

Reflection:

“At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the disciples two sacred rites to perform: to change bread and wine into His Body and Blood and to wash one another’s feet. Mary was given the honor of bringing that Body and Blood into the world. She was given the task of helping the Church to continue to “Do this in memory” of her son. If we ask her, Mary will teach us how to wash each other’s feet. She lived for others. Mary was crowned Queen of Heaven only after a life of selfless service on earth.” (70)

About Stephen Driscoll

Stephen Driscoll is a graduate of Stonehill College and works for Holy Cross Family Ministries as the Family Rosary Mission Assistant. He studied History and Theology at Stonehill and still enjoys learning as much as possible about both subjects. Stephen is an ardent Bruins fan and a lover of all things New England.