The window depicts the Assumption of Mary into heaven. Mary is flanked by two angels on the sides. The window is a reduction of the stained glass window above the high altar that graced the church before the current one. The panels have been cut to fit the sides of the window frame.
The Library Window was donated by Mrs. A. Johnson in Memory of Craziano Nino
The stained glass windows mentioned here are the windows in various small rooms around the church- in the hallways and rooms in the back of the church, and not accessible to the public. However, these windows, though not as colorful as those that grace the main body of the church, still display deep symbolism and the devotion on the part of those who helped build the church.
This window here graces the stairwell leading up to the Sacristy door. it features on the top half a depiction of Jesus as the Lamb of God carrying a banner and sitting on top of a book. The image is a reference to Revelation 5:1-13 which a Lamb comes forward and opens a book with seven seals. The seven seals are depicted on the lengthwise portion of the book below. The banner is a sign of his victory over death. The Lamb also has a cruciform halo, which is another reference to Christ.
The window was donated by Thomas Doolan.
Restoration donated by Mary and Wesley Hogan
This painting depicts St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians. St. Cecilia was a Christian woman in Rome who was forced to marry a pagan man. She managed to convert her husband, but then the prefect of Rome found out and had them executed. Her house turned into a church, the present day St. Cecilia in Trastevere. This window is based upon a painting by Gustave Naujok. It depicts St. Cecilia with an organ, a symbol of her patronage of music, as she was a musician.
In Memory of C.T. Ryland.
Restoration donated by the Randall Family
Dennis, Brooke, Pearson and Portia
The St. Peter window depicts St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles, and the first pope. It bears a similarity to a painting by Peter Paul Rubens. Here, St. Peter is recognized because of the keys that he holds, which refers to Matthew 16:19 where Jesus gives him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. He is also wearing the pallium, the white band of cloth with crosses around his neck. The pallium is a sign of papal authority, and is worn by the pope. Archbishops are also allowed to wear it, and are given this by the pope when they receive charge of their archdiocese.
Donated by Children of Mary
Given with Love and Thanksgiving by the Baumel Family
The St. Ann window depicts a woman religious holding a stele. The inscription is illegible except for “St. Ann”.
In Memory of Ellen Mellott Atkin
In recognition of St. Mary’s faithful Priests, Sisters and Lay Ministers
This window features the letters “IHS”. These letters stand for the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus. This monogram (along with the Chi-Ro), are among the most popular initials of Jesus in Christian art. They were first popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena in the 15th century.
The Jesuits adopted the initials and added the features shown here: the monogram topped with the cross and the 3 nails below it.. St. Mary's church was began as a mission church of the Jesuits who were ministering at Santa Clara University before it was turned over to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and this window is a reminder of it.
Donated by Children of Mary
Restored by Margaret Bishop in Memory of Grant Bishop and John Pearce
The window here depicts the Holy Spirit coming down as a dove, a reference to the Gospels that mention the Holy Spirit in this way during the Baptism of Jesus (Mt 3:16, Mk 1:10, Lk 3:22, Jn 1:32).
The Holy Cross window depicts the instruments of Christ's Passion. In the center is the cross on which Jesus died, with the Crown of Thorns around the neck. At the foot of the cross is Mount Calvary, flanked by the whips used to scourge Jesus. Below are the three nails.
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Burke
The Sacred Heart window depicts the devotional image of the heart of Jesus. The devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is very popular in Catholic devotions, centering on the heart of Jesus as the symbol of God's great love for humanity. The devotion was popularized by the French sister St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who in a series of apparitions of Jesus instructing her on the features of this devotion. These include: Receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays, and celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart (19 days after Pentecost).
The window here depicts the heart of Jesus surrounded by the Crown of Thorns, a sign of his Passion, along with a flame at the top symbolizing his passionate love. Often, there is also a wound in the heart, refering to the piercing of Jesus' heart with a lance when he was on the cross.
The Holy Eucharist window symbolizes the devotion that Catholic have to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, or the Body and Blood of Jesus under the forms of bread and wine. The window depicts the chalice, which is a special cup which holds the Blood under the form of wine, and the host with the cross on it which is the Body of Christ.
In Memory of Jennie R. Hicks.
The Marian monogram shows MA, which are the initials of the name of Mary, topped with a crown symbolizing her queenship over heaven and earth.
Donated by Mrs. H. Hooper
Connected with the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary emphasizes how Mary sought to do the will of God, and so flowed with love for him, yet suffering through being the Mother of Jesus.
Immaculate means "clean", and this refers to her virginal purity. The heart has a crown of roses with a sword piercing the heart (reference to Simeon's prophecy from Luke 2:34). It also has a flame coming from the top.
In Memory of Patrick Darragh
Restoration donated by the Dunlap Family