The Glory of Mary and the Saints

In the Christian Church, from very early times, there has been a tradition of celebrating the holiness of a person and handing down the inspiring story of his / her life from generation to generation. The sacred art of the Icon expressed a remarkable spiritual link, between the veneration of images and the worship of God through the saints. "The icon is the occasion for a personal meeting with whom it represents, through the grace of the Spirit. The more the faithful contemplate the icons, the more they think of him whom it represents and try to imitate him. An icon is a window from our world to the invisible world of faith and of the Spirit. It shows man how God loves him and transfigures him by his gifts and should be looked at with the eyes of the heart illuminated by faith." (VIIth Ecumenical Council, Second Nicea 787 A.D.)
Using symbolism, rich colours and splendid materials, stained glass can serve the same purpose to express the richness of a person's being especially of Jesus Christ, of Blessed Mary and of the Holy Saints. The stained glass windows of Our Lady of Victories (made by Ms. Paddy Robinson of Peakhurst) help us to view with our spiritual eyes the life and glory of Our Saviour and his Mother, Mary.

The Main Centre Window

This consists of three main base panels and three circular panels in the top section. The background starts with the ground, the earth, in the bottom and rises up to a dark blue sky studded with stars. In the larger circular panel at the top is the figure of the Risen Christ - the Resurrection being the foundation of our faith and the reason of our worship. The community gathers in the church to proclaim the Resurrection o Christ and our own future resurrection. In the two smaller circular panels we can see the symbols of the four Evangelists. The lion, symbol of Mark; the Angel, symbol of Matthew; the Eagle, symbol of John; the Ox, symbol of Luke. Through the Gospel message we can live the law of the Father.

The Triptych

The three centre panels (triptych) depict Blessed Mary as a child (left), as a young woman (right) and her glorification and Queenship (centre).
The centre panel may be called Our Lady of Victories. She is "The great sign that appeared in heaven: a woman dressed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head" (Rv 12:1). With her heals she is destroying the ancient serpent (cf Gn 3:15). Because of her obedience in faith and the mystery of the Incarnation she was made God's temple beyond compare, a house of gold adorned by the Holy Spirit with every kind of virtue, a royal palace resplendent with the presence of the One who is Truth, the holy city and the ark of the New Covenant enshrining the author of the New Law (Sacred Liturgy). "Blessed are you, our God, who today have crushed the enemies of your people. May the Most High God bless you more than all the women on earth. Never will the people forget the confidence you have shown; they will always remember the power of God" (Jdt 13:18). The birth of the Virgin Mary's Son was the dawn of salvation. Your birth, O Mother of God, proclaims joy to the whole world for from you arose the glorious Sun of Justice, Christ our God (Divine Office)
The left panel shows the family of Mary. From an ancient tradition, going back even to the second century, the parents of Mary are known by the names of Joachim and Anne. Devotion to St Anne is found in the sixth century in the east, and by the tenth century it was widespread in the west. St Joachim was likewise honoured, but at a more recent date. The child Mary is the model of all who live by the Gospel; as we look up to her in prayer we learn from her mind to love you above all things, from her spirit to contemplate your Word and from her heart to serve the needs of others.
The right panel depicts the Bethrothal of Joseph and Mary. The Church honours Joseph as the husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus. He played an important part in the life of Mary and Jesus as head of the Holy Family. At Nazareth Mary was united with Joseph, the just man, in an unbreakable bond of chaste love, praising God in song, worshipping in silence, and honouring the Father by her daily life, giving glory as she cares for her family.
Under the protection of Mary, may we be fearless in waging the battle of faith, steadfast in holding the teaching of the apostles, and tranquil in spirit in the storms of this world until we reach the joy of your heavenly city (Preface of the B.V.M.).
The stained glass windows around the Church depict the Joyful and the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary and various Patron Saints and Founders. The Sacraments are depicted in the East Chapel and different symbols of Christ are found in the Sacristies.