Ask deacon mike

I hope you have taken some time to stop in the vestibule of the church and look at the stained glass windows that have been installed.  As you know these windows are quite old.  They resided in our old church in East Greeneville for many years.  They were removed for preservation when the old church was closed.  For many years they sat crated and forgotten until early last year when they were re-discovered and it was decided that they would be incorporated into our present church.  These windows really set off that point where the glass comes together at the old baptismal font. 

Several people have asked me about the meaning of the windows, that is what they represent.  I talked to a few people and I also did a little research to find out what they mean.  So, imagine you are facing the windows while standing in the vestibule (or actually go to the back of church and look for yourself). Here is what I learned.

The top left window depicts the lamb.  This of course reminds us of Jesus, the Lamb of God.  The Lamb is a symbol of Christ. The whiteness of the lamb symbolizes its purity.  Lambs are often associated with innocence and sacrifice.  Christ was thus the sacrificial lamb for the sins of humanity.  Sometimes the lamb carries a flag symbolizing Christ's victory over death in His Resurrection.  This is known as the 'Lamb of Victories' symbol. Another form of the symbol shows a lamb standing on a book that is closed with seven seals.  This symbolizes Christ as judge at the end of the world.  In the book of the prophet Isaiah (53:7) are found the words: 'harshly dealt with, he bore it humbly, he never opened his mouth like a lamb that is led to the slaughterhouse'.  These words are found in various readings for Good Friday. The Latin word for Lamb is 'Agnes' and St. Agnes is also symbolized by a figure of a lamb. St. Agnes was a Roman martyr during the period of the persecution of the emperor Diocletian.  She is one of the saints mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer.

The top right window shows a pelican below the crusaders cross.  The Pelican is used as a symbol of the Eucharist.  The Pelican bird feeds its young by piercing its own flesh and taking blood from itself to feed its chicks. This is like Christ's offering of Himself on the cross in atonement for our sins. Through His Passion and Death on the cross we have the Sacrament of Eucharist in which the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Our Lord. Like the Pelican, Christ's manner of feeding us is through His self-sacrificial love.

The bottom left window represents our patron, St. Philip Neri.  St. Philip was born in Florence, Italy on July 22, 1515.  In 1569 he moved to Rome where he lived the rest of his life hearing confessions and giving spiritual direction to the highbred and the lowly of the city.  Several times the popes who reigned during Philip’s years in Rome called on this holy priest to help reform the clergy.  While known far and wide as a practical joker, St. Philip worked tirelessly to reshape the church in Rome.  He founded several houses where young men could come and study and reflect on their spiritual journey.  Philip also founded a congregation called the Oratory to bring young men together for service to the church through devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.  St. Philip Neri died in Rome on May 26, 1595.

The bottom right window symbolizes St. Aloysius.  I must admit that this window puzzled me.  Why did it have a place in the church of St. Philip Neri?  Not being from around here I did not know the connection.  However, several parishioners were quick to remind me that our parish was once a mission church of St. Aloysius in Pottstown.  I really think this is a beautiful reminder of our history here in the valley.  Many of your families moved here decades ago.  Through the generosity of the people and the hard work of the priests from St. Al’s they were nurtured in their faith.  This picture is a beautiful reminder of our heritage.

We still have two more windows to be installed.  Fr. Roncase told me that they have a Eucharistic theme.  Once they are installed and all of the work is done we will have a beautiful reminder of who we are and where we come from.  These windows are also a beautiful aid in our prayer.  Just like a statue or picture, these stained glass icons call us to reflect and give thanks for the blessings God has showered on our beautiful parish.

As always, I am anxious to receive your questions and comments.  Send them to me by 1) an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@comcast.net, 2) writing your inquiry on a piece of paper and dropping it in the collection basket or 3) sending your question to the rectory.  I will always keep your communication confidential.  In fact, you need not identify yourself.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and remember: 

I love you all.  Deacon Mike Franks