Saint Ita Sanctuary Windows
Under the ornamental sanctuary ceiling, each window section contains the main panel(s) in the lower portion, and smaller windows in the upper portion. In general, the lower portions focus on one story, and the upper portions contain symbols of Christ.
Beginning with the south/left side (facing the altar), the panels depict:
Beginning with the south/left side (facing the altar), the panels depict:
The Immaculate Conception and Annunciation
The Nativity and Presentation in the Temple
The Crucifixion
The main window directly above the high altar is the Crucifixion scene. One of the most beautiful windows in this country, it is 22 feet high, 11 feet wide, and contains 22 figures.
The major figures in the Crucifixion window are:
Around the top outside edge of the arch of the Crucifixion window are the symbols of the four Evangelists, from left to right:
In the heart-shaped medallions, in the upper arches over all the panels, are the instruments of crucifixion, emblems of the Passion, and symbols of Christ:
The major figures in the Crucifixion window are:
- Four angels in adoration around the cross
- Mary and St. John stand at the foot of the cross
- Mary Magdalene kneels at the master's feet
- Mary of Cleophas, the Virgin Mary's cousin, lies prostrate to the right
- The centurion Longinus (on horseback), who according to tradition converted after seeing Jesus die
- People in the background represent those who turned against Jesus and the soldiers who put him to death
Around the top outside edge of the arch of the Crucifixion window are the symbols of the four Evangelists, from left to right:
- The Ox: St. Luke -- whose Gospel begins with the Annunciation and Nativity story
- The Angel: St. Matthew -- whose Gospel begins with the Incarnation
- The Eagle: St. John -- whose Gospel reveals his vision that allows him to soar high into heaven
- The Lion: St. Mark -- whose Gospel begins with the story of St. John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness
In the heart-shaped medallions, in the upper arches over all the panels, are the instruments of crucifixion, emblems of the Passion, and symbols of Christ:
- The Chi-Ro Symbol
- Lantern and weapons
- Bag of silver
- Chalice and Host
- Lance, sponge, and ladder
- Crown of thorns and nails
- Rooster linked to Peter's denial
- Pillar and Lashes
The Resurrection and Ascension
Pentecost and Assumption/Coronation of Mary
