Why Are Stained Glass Windows in Church?

Stained glass windows are used to enhance the beauty of the church and also to tell important stories or symbolize truths. 

Beauty:  Soft colors are used to create a calming effect and a provide relaxed atmosphere for prayer.  Opaque and transparent colors are used to show emphasis about the story being told.  As the outside light changes during the day, the colors change as well:  reds and yellows get more brilliant at noon, blues become brilliant as the light fades in the afternoon.  Light coming out from the church into the dark of the night invites people looking for comfort to come into the church. 

 Symbolism:  A symbol is a visible sign of something else, whether a person, an object, an idea, or of a mystical experience.  The use of symbols in the Church is a very ancient practice, dating back to its very beginnings.  Symbols have been used to tell us the stories of the saints throughout the history of the Church.  Whenever we see statues of icon of saints, their symbol is almost always shown with them to help us know who is being shown and to remind us of their story.

 In upcoming weeks , we will include pictures and the symbolism of our stained glass windows.