This Eucharistic Window, inspired by the Lamb from the Revelation 5, symbolizes the crucified and risen Christ as the Paschal Mystery celebrated in the Eucharist. Christ, depicted as the Apocalyptic Lamb, is the vulnerable God who suffers with humanity, but also epitomizes the hope and joy of resurrection.
Richard King, drawing on Revelation 5:6–10, states that:
“The central theme of this design is the Apocalyptic Lamb shown standing on the Book of the Seven Seals with the ‘seven horns’ of light on his head. The Lamb was slain—wound in breast—but for us the blood is not wasted, but is caught up in the chalice for our salvation. The lamb rose again and so bears the banner of the Resurrection. The seven flames represent the lamps seen in the beatific vision and are symbolic of our means of Grace. Below are the Chalice and Host and the wheat and grapes. (Sheehy 2020: 333)
“The style of this window, blending symbolic, expressive colours with contrasts of light and darkness, is conveyed by cubist-abstract forms. The large red cross behind the white Apocalyptic Lamb, recalls the Passion as the condition of the resurrection hope that King so profoundly affirms. This is further indicated by the blood flowing from the wound in the breast of the Lamb into the chalice, signifying the Eucharist. The blue background with some white, showing the Alpha and Omega, indicates Christ as the beginning and the end, while the eyes—signifying angelic hosts—evoke heaven and transcendence.”
The iconography of this stained-glass window reflects Revelation 5:12–13:
Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!
All these aspects are revealed by the colour, sacramental symbolism, and cosmic vision of this window.
References
King, Richard. N.d. ‘Unpublished explanatory notes concerning the sanctuary windows in the chapel, Sisters of Saint Joseph CentreWest Region’, Archives South Australia: Series 32
Sheehy, Ruth. 2020. The Life and Work of Richard King: Religion, Nationalism and Modernism, Reimagining Ireland Series (Oxford: Peter Lang)