THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY WINDOW

An appropriate prelude to the Chapel of Grace windows, this jewel-like window is installed in the Chapel of Grace Baptistry, the former main cathedral baptistry. One of Connick's favorites, this was the first window installed in Grace Cathedral (1930). The intimate, approachable scale of the window befits its subject, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the window sets the theme for the adjacent chapel windows. The window theme was suggested by the "lady chapel" role (dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary) that a chapel such as the Chapel of Grace would have played in an English cathedral.

The window's three medallions, on a lattice background, show scenes from Christ's life inspired by three of the principal mysteries of the rosary, a devotional practice introduced by the Dominican order, and still followed by some Anglicans.

Through the base of the window are the angel Gabriel's words, "Hail thou that art highly/ favored, the Lord is with thee./ Blessed art thou among women" (S. Luke I.28).

To see detail and description, click on any part of the window.