The Grande Window

The Grande Window

The faced glass façade window is truly a masterpiece in symbolic theology. It tells the story of “Salvation History” as seen through the mind of St. Thomas Aquinas, parish patron. It is the work of the artist Conrad Pickel. The outside dimensions of the window frame are 60’ by 50’. It is made of slab glass embedded in epoxy. The window was a memorial gift of Mr. And Mrs. Louis Novak.

In the window design the fall of man and the expulsion from paradise are symbolized by the gate and the flaming sword.

The covenant of the Law of Moses is symbolized by the hands of Moses receiving the tablets from God and the stars found in the window.

The Nativity of Christ is symbolized by the radiance of the Alpha in the stylized crib. Above the crib three purple crosses denote the atonement for sin through Christ’s passion and death on Calvary.

The dominate figure of the window is the powerful and glorious resurrected Christ. Christ is present in the 20th century suggested by the artist in the skyline of the modern city at the bottom of the window complete with capitol dome and church.

It is important to note that Christ’s left hand is placed over the bread and chalice, wheat and grapes, symbolic of the Holy Eucharist. The water of regeneration flows from the baptismal shell into the cityscape.

Human life is highlighted by the scientist with flask and test tube, atomic and electronic orbits, the rocket and satellite, the artisan with mallet and chisel carving human culture.

On the far right are the mother and father leading their children to Christ. The linking rings with flames of love symbolize matrimony as the foundation of the Christian family. The gears, the expressway and suspension bridge show the life of the factory worker and engineers.

The faces of the people belong to all races and all culture to depict the university of the Church. At the upper right we see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica under the dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the guiding force of the Church.

The right hand of Christ is pointing toward heaven and the symbol of God, the Omega in the very top of the window.

Taken from “Welcome to St. Thomas Aquinas” booklet written by Bishop James Sullivan (c. 1979)