Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart
Catholic Church, Ankeny, Iowa
Architect:
RDG Planning & Design
Liturgical Design Consultant:
Kenneth J. Griesemer & Associates
BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL WINDOWS
9 windows totaling approximately 300 square feet
French, German and Polish mouthblown glass; domestic rolled glass; Austrian lead-crystal prisms; lead; solder
This octagonal Blessed Sacrament Chapel is first glimpsed by passersby along East First Street. The subtle reflective details of its windows become visible as one nears the church. Once inside, the chapel’s stained glass draws attention along a long, dramatic axis from the Narthex/Gathering Area, through the Day Chapel/Cry Room and to the Tabernacle.
Finally, upon entering the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, one is embraced on all sides by the stained glass whose heraldic band of red glass enframes the wooden Tabernacle and flows from window to window.
Whether seen from the street or from within the chapel, these windows greet and embrace visitors with a sense of the sacred. The palette for the stained glass is designed to provide ever-changing interest within the Chapel windows throughout day and night, whether viewed from the outside or from within, and in all lighting conditions.
The atmospheric and abstract imagery rises like incense and imparts a prayerful feeling of quiet and sanctuary. With the exception of the Immaculate Heart Window and Sword of St. Michael Windows, the Chapel’s stained glass functions as a meditative backdrop that enfolds the Chapel’s main focus, its Tabernacle.
Click images for a larger view.
“Unfolded” projection of 8-sided Chapel
The most saturated color is found in the lower areas and represents our worldly, corporal existence. The transition into palest, even colorless, glass in the upper areas is symbolic of God and the higher spiritual plane to which we strive. Reflective white glasses provide interest when viewed from the outside and can be seen from the street during day and night. The more saturated color and heavier textures of the glass in the lower sections also enhance the sense of separation and privacy within the Chapel. Unexpected and fascinating views appear when one looks at the chapel from outside though two windows at once.
In general, the stained glass design provides countless opportunities for each worshiper to discover their own personal meaning. Some more specific symbolism can also be found. In acknowledgment of the church’s name, the Immaculate Heart Window is located on the right side of the Chapel Entrance. Flames above the heart echo Mary’s light and warmth, a drop of blood recalls her quiet suffering, the prisms arching from the heart and over the entrance symbolize her Crown of Twelve Stars and radiant love, while Mary’s traditional blue is seen in the background glass.
Because this chapel is dedicated St. Michael and All Angels, his window located on the other side of the Chapel Entrance. St. Michael’s Flaming Sword can easily be recognized. Its flames rise up and over the entrance to meet the flames from the Immaculate Heart Window as a benediction to worshipers leaving the Chapel. This is the only window that does not have an exterior side, but faces out into the gathering vestibule beyond the Chapel. As a result it’s rich, deep color is augmented by views across the chapel and out thought other windows.
The theme of St. Michael and All Angels is continued throughout the rest of the Chapel by the subtle flutter of abstracted feathers, wings and clouds in the stained glass. These symbolize personal guardian angles, the angelic choir (or Seraphim) and the angels that guide the departed from Earth to Heaven. The reflective quality of the white French opal glass recalls St. Michael’s attribution as the guiding Pillar of Fire and Smoke during the Exodus.
Other symbols include Grapes and Wheat Awns (Eucharistic Gifts), Clouds and Heraldic Bands and Drapery (Resurrection and Ascension), Dove (Holy Spirit and Baptism), and Butterfly (Resurrection).
