Window 20 :: The Apostles - St. Jude, St. Matthew, & St. James the Greater
Windows 17- 20 are the Windows of the Church. These windows show the shields of the Apostles. Each shield represents an event or verse for which that Apostle is famous. Often with these shields is also a symbol of that Apostle’s martyrdom. As a note, Paul is not here because the Twelve Apostles are a specific group that Paul, who is undoubtedly an apostle, is not a part of.
Taken as a group, these windows usher us into the Age of the Church. Here at the end of the sanctuary are the acts of those who came before us and, with the Holy Spirit, established God’s Church on Earth. Looking farther than this takes us to the back wall of the sanctuary, where the work of the Apostles continues to this day.
Panel 2, 3 - St. Jude’s Shield and an Upside Down Cross
St. Jude’s shield displays a sailboat, which signifies St. Jude’s missionary journeys. St. Jude also felt unworthy to be crucified as Jesus was, so the upside down cross is also displayed here.
Panel 5, 6 - St. Matthew’s Shield and the T-Cross
St. Matthew’s shield displayed three purses, which is in reference to his original career as a tax collector. St. Matthew was crucified on a T-shaped cross, so it is displayed here.
Panel 8, 9 - St. James the Greater’s Shield and a Sword
The shield of St. James the Greater is a scallop shell. Traditionally, St. James the Greater’s remains were found covered in scallop shells. The shell became the symbol of pilgrimage to his burial site in northwestern Spain. The sword symbolizes the martyrdom of St. James at the hands of Herod by beheading.