Blessed Sacrament “rose” window

Photo by Gord Domm

1. Blessed Sacrament Rose Window.

There are three “rose” windows in Blessed Sacrament Church. One behind the altar (east), one on the left (north) and one on the right (south). A rose stained glass window is a large, circular window with intricate, radial stone tracery and coloured glass panes, commonly found in Gothic cathedrals. Named for its resemblance to a blooming rose, the design features segments that radiate from a central point, symbolizing divine light and often depicting biblical narratives and theological themes. These windows served a dual purpose: to create a mystical and beautiful interior through coloured light and to educate a largely illiterate population through their visual stories. 

Each of the rose windows are virtually identical except for the centre. This east rose window has symbols of the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist, at the centre. Besides the obvious symbols of the chalice and bread (host), there are the shafts or sheaves of wheat and the clusters of grapes with leaves also representing the Body of Christ under the forms of bread and wine.