13. Heavenly Music: Saint Cecilia, Levites and Angels.
Saint Cecilia (inside left pane) is the patron
saint of music and musicians because, at her
forced wedding to a pagan, she “sang in her
heart to the Lord” while musicians played
pagan music, symbolizing music’s power to
connect the earthly and divine, leading to her
veneration as a symbol of music in liturgy and
artistic inspiration, with her feast day (November 22) often marked by concerts. In artwork is frequently depicted with musical instruments like the organ or stringed instruments (as in this window) representing this heavenly melody and her deep faith, as well as surrounded by angels (i.e. two window panes far left and right) playing various instruments around her, embodying the joy and sanctity associated with music (e.g. a Peter Reuben 17th century painting).
In Scriptures, Levites (inside right pane) served as dedicated ministers of music in the
Temple, organized by King David to lead worship with instruments (harps, lyres,
cymbals, trumpets) and voices, offering praise, thanks, and invocation to God. This
role was a sacred duty, with specific Levite families set apart for this continuous, day-and-night service. As noted in 1 Chronicles 6:16-17, they “…were established by David for
the service of song in the LORD’s house at the time when the ark had a resting place.
They served as singers before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they performed their services according to the
order prescribed for them.”