Mary Rose Window

There are three “rose” windows in Blessed Sacrament Church. This depicts the one on the left (north). Each of the rose windows are virtually identical except for the centre. This north rose window has symbol of a lily, rose and crown referencing Mary, the mother of God.

In Christian art, the lily represents purity, virginity, and the divinity of the Virgin Mary, frequently appearing in Annunciation scenes, while the rose symbolizes divine love, martyrdom (red), and Mary as the “Queen of Heaven”. Together, they often contrast Mary’s chastity (lily) with her sorrow or love (rose).

Note that in the rose window directly opposite (south), there is a lily also in the centre pane (without rose). The lily often references the Resurrection of the Lord, but also it sometimes references St. Joseph, symbolizing his purity and his chaste, faithful role as the guardian of Mary. A likely reference given it is opposite this Mary window.