May is the month in which we especially honor Mary, the mother of our Savior. She was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus, and she is also the Mother of his Mystical Body, the Church. We honor Mary with many titles, but during the Easter season when the Gospels and New Testament readings at Mass focus so much on the formation and ministry of the Apostles, it is fitting to consider Mary’s title as Queen of Apostles.
This window is in the back of the church, on the left when facing the altar, next to the choir loft. As you move forward the windows on the left depict the Apostles.
Mary is dressed as a queen. Her garment is a tunic of the traditional blue, covering a golden gown. She wears a white mantle tinged with gold. White is a color symbolizing purity and gold symbolizes divinity, royalty, and in Mary’s case, the unique position she holds as the Mother of God. On her head is a crown and in her hand is a scepter, a symbol of authority, in the form of a fleur de lis, a lily, its three parts representing the Trinity. The royal authority Mary has comes from God. The lily flower at Mary’s feet is her attribute, again symbolizing purity and the Trinity.
Mary is standing upon a globe, about which is wrapped Satan in the form of a snake. Although he encompasses the world, as if it is his, Mary’s foot is upon his head, fulfilling the prophesy in Genesis 3:15: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; they will strike at your head while you strike at their heel.” Her son, Jesus, has overcome death and will ultimately overcome the power of Satan in the world.
Above Mary’s head is a circle bearing the letters IHS, the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek. Rays extend from the circle, bearing the names of the twelve Apostles. It is through the Apostles and their successors, the pope and bishops of the Church, that the redemptive work of Jesus and the defeat of Satan is carried on in the world. The red behind the rays and extending from behind Mary to the bottom of the window indicates that this work is united with the Passion and death of Jesus. Eleven of the first Apostles were martyred. But the Resurrection of Jesus assures us that their work is not in vain and many will attain eternal life with Jesus because of it. The red of suffering is hidden by Mary in most of the window, indicating her powerful role as Mediatrix, bringing the grace of God to those in need. Her her right hand is extended as if presenting the work of the Apostles to God.
This imagery is especially relevant today as the Church welcomes Pope Leo the XIV as the 267th pope. May we pray that God will give him every gift and grace that he needs to lead the Church in faithful discipleship in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. And may we ask Mary to intercede for him and cover him with her motherly protection.