The Large Stained Glass Windows in the College Chapel.

◄Knowledge

Understanding►

◄Wisdom

Humility►

◄Respect

Courage►

◄Tolerance

◄Strength

Peace►

Support► The Holy Spirit Window

What does the Lord ask of you? Only this: That you act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before your God. (Micah 6:8) The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. ……….. A day will come when the wolf will live peacefully beside the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; The calf and yearling, new-born and slow, will rest secure with the lion; and a little child will tend them all. Bears will graze with the cows they used to attack; even their young will rest together, and the lion will eat hay, like gentle oxen. Neither will a baby who plays next to a cobra’s hole nor a toddler who sticks his hand into a nest of vipers suffer harm. All my holy mountain will be free of anything hurtful or destructive, for as the waters fill the sea, The entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Eternal. (Isaiah 11:2,6-9) [The Voice] You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20) Fr Martin Ashcroft cj 20 February 2013

An explanation of the new large stained glass windows in the Chapel of St George’s College. The large stained glass windows in the College chapel are designed not only to enhance the sacredness of the chapel but also to offer a meditation on the Catholic-Christian-Josephite ethos of the College. The semi-abstract designs encourage one to make time for reflection and quiet contemplation. Although each window has its own individual integrity of design and colour, the sets of opposing windows complement each other in some way, for example the middle set of windows have their focal points set high up in the windows. The colours of the windows were deliberately chosen to flow from the cool pastel blues and browns in the traditional images of Mary and Joseph at the front of the chapel towards the vivid reds and oranges in the circular window representing the Holy Spirit at the back of the chapel. The first two windows represent the broad themes of ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Understanding’ which are both gifts of the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2) and the core enterprise of all education. The remaining eight windows are inspired by the words from the College Prayer, allowing the message of the College Prayer to be read visually as you walk from the front of the chapel to the back. The College Prayer printed below, with the words for each theme of the windows highlighted, was composed by Fr Paul Connor CJ and Br Michael CJ. It is said at every liturgical gathering and Assembly which takes place in the College Chapel. O Lord, give us the wisdom to know ourselves, the humility to accept ourselves as we really are, and the courage and independence to defend what we know to be right. Help us to respect the needs of others, being always ready to dedicate our own talents to their service. Give us the strength to suffer the trials and tensions of life with fortitude, and the vision to see through suffering to the peace which lies beyond. May we, by our tolerance, be a constant support to each other, and a source of strength to our families whom we commend to your care. Amen.

Each of the eight windows is specifically linked to one of the eight characteristics of the Family Spirit within the Josephite Educational Ethos. The original impetus for the stained glass windows came from the late Bursar of St George’s, Phillip Fletcher, before he died. Phillip had reordered the College Chapel in 2006 exactly fifty years after it had originally opened in 1956. He very much wanted to install large stained glass windows following the success of the new stained glass windows in the Junior School Chapel based on designs submitted by the pupils. The design of these windows was a joint venture between Vicki Emad, Head of the Art Department at St George’s College, and Neil Ireson who has an international reputation for inspirational stained glass. Prior to creating these new windows, Neil Ireson had already worked with Sister Kitty Ellard IJS, while she was the College Chaplain, to produce the stunning Holy Spirit window in the College Chapel as well as the St Joseph window which is opposite the window depicting the ‘Immaculate Conception of Our Lady; the first stained glass window in the College Chapel. The project would not have happened, however, without the very generous support of the St George’s College Parents’ Association, under the Chairmanship of Veena Oxton, which funded the design and installation of the stained glass. Bishop Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, very kindly dedicated and blessed these new stained glass windows on Wednesday 20 February 2013. On the following pages, there is a short explanation of the design for each of the windows which has been prepared by the Art Department at the College and the windows link with the Josephite Family Spirit. In addition there is a quotation taken from Holy Scripture and, where appropriate, a statement taken from the Pedagogical Guide of Constant Van Crombrugghe, the founder of the Josephites.

The layout of the stained windows in the College Chapel Altar Sanctuary Mary

Joseph & Jesus

Knowledge

Understanding

Wisdom

Humility

Respect

Courage

Tolerance

Peace

Strength

Support Holy Spirit Back Wall ++++++++++++++++++++

Window theme

Josephite Family Spirit

Wisdom Humility Respect Courage Tolerance Peace Strength Support

Fatherhood Mercy Politesse Collaboration Hospitality Douceur Inclusiveness Pastoral Care and Discipline

Knowledge The image of Mary symbolises our knowledge of the birth of Jesus. The light radiates from her image and represents the light of the Lord. The soft flowing lines of this design echo the structure of the adjacent window of ‘Our Lady’ and lead the eye to the window of ‘Wisdom’. A series of circular lines at the top of the window, above Mary’s head, also suggests the Divine (a circle without end). It is a design feature repeated in many of the window designs and helps draw the eye in, giving the design a focal point. The dominant blue colour is also a symbol of truth and heaven. Scripture Text I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. (Romans 15:14) Pedagogical Guide No 90 Be sure in your knowledge of what you claim to teach. What one knows badly one teaches badly. The Josephite Educational Ethos St George’s College, like all Josephite Schools throughout the world, was explicitly founded for the education and evangelisation of young people: the future leaders in society. This means that the education offered at St George’s must be rooted in religion as the aim of Josephite education is always: ‘To form the true, committed Christian’.

Understanding The organic lines are based on plant forms and represent our faith and how it grows and follows us through our different paths in life. Visible through the pale glass are the trees and bushes from outside which echo the sense of growth and the world around us. The design aims to give us a sense of branching out into the unknown. The choice of colours can also be linked to the four elements (earth – green; water – blue; air – white; fire – yellow/red) which are regarded as the fundamental constituents of our world.

Scripture Text I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself. (Colossians 2.2) PG No 83 All teaching should contain three parts: understanding, learning and application. Josephite Educational Ethos I am convinced of the necessity of our schools to adapt themselves to the needs of the times but here is the greatest method of education: You must love the children by caring tenderly for them and letting them see you are happy to be with them. You must also identify with them, not only in work and study, but in every detail of their school life.

Wisdom The hourglass represents the passing of time and was chosen to symbolise ‘Wisdom’, which is a body of knowledge and experience that develops over time. A series of concentric rings dominate the design and are an abstract representation of the shifting sand within an hourglass. Within the centre of each ring you can see a droplet, which suggests the movement of the sand and helps draw the eye down to the bottom of the window. As the eye travels down the window the colours become noticeably paler and the design becomes more simplified and smaller, suggesting the passing of time. This use of colour and abstraction also helps give the design a greater sense of depth. The droplets, which are clearly visible at the top of the design, can also be interpreted as hands in prayer. The soft shades and gentle ripples in the glass surround this strong vertical design and create balance. The lighted torch symbolises the combination of learning and knowledge which leads to wisdom which come with age. The torch can be associated with passing guidance on to the next generation. Scripture Text For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10) PG No 29 To the pupil, the teacher must be his friend and his father.

Josephite Family Spirit Lead with Wisdom. The Head teacher in his school is to be like a father in his family. Fatherhood involves wisdom combined with paternal and maternal love for the children.

Humility The violet is a symbol of humility, by extension; it refers to the Incarnation of Christ. The three flowers create structure, but they are not easily identifiable. They are slightly submerged in a sea of green foliage, with subtle violet shades poking through the designs. The undulating lines link the flowers and echo the organic forms from the previous window. The number three is also symbolic of the Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Scripture Text As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13) PG No 44 Have a real affection for the pupils entrusted to your care. Faults and failings of all sorts, ingratitude, insolence, arrogance and even hate do not extinguish the love that God has for sinners; so should it be with you. Josephite Family Spirit God is ‘all merciful’ and ‘all compassionate”. Mercy involves mirroring God’s forgiveness with humility, patience, perseverance.

Respect The many hands in this design act as a visual metaphor for ‘Respect’. The contrast of colours and shapes reflect the diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, culture and abilities in our society and are unified in a circular motif at the top of the window. At the base of the design are two pairs of hands, which are drawn in prayer and praise of the Lord. The central pair of hands could also be viewed as a flame – a symbol of God and the Light of the World. Scripture Text We appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who work among you…esteem them very highly in love because of their work. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) PG No 33 In your language as in your manner, always respect the conventions of Politesse.

Josephite Family Spirit Politesse and gentle manners make us so attractive to the children. Politesse involves showing respect and appropriate behaviour towards others.

Courage The morning star was chosen to represent ‘Courage’ which is another gift of the Holy Spirit. The star is clearly visible at the top of the design; the pale glass allows the light to shine through, representing Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’. Soft purple and yellow tones harmonise and dominate the design. The lines and colours that radiate out from the star link with the windows on either side. Scripture Text Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. PG No 14 Maintain a perfect harmony with those colleagues who share your responsibility, so that a similar spirit may reign in your way of dealing with the pupils and that in everything there may exist that unity without which nothing can be sound. Josephite Family Spirit Collaboration requires us to be of ‘one mind and heart’ and full of courage and joy.

Tolerance At first glance this design may appear a little chaotic, but the lines represent ‘Tolerance’, and the idea that we can work together as a community. The lines flow together and become entwined to make up several images and sizes of fish, which is a sign of Christian faith. The rich variety of colours invites us to remember all are welcomed and valued which in turn creates harmony and a sense of ‘Tolerance’. The number of fish and colours within the design also gives a sense of ‘strength’ which leads into the theme of the adjacent window. The soft ripples of the glass references water and helps unify the meaning of the window. Scripture Text Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2) PG No 68 We can only be the teachers of our pupils through prayer, patience and love. Josephite Family Spirit Hospitality involves tolerance of others so allowing all to feel welcome and valued. Our pupils should always feel they are ‘Coming home to School’. ‘The Josephites have based their own system of education on the same ideas of their Founder. Their schools are truly like families where the most genuine affection unites all.’

Peace The dove and the olive are two symbols of ‘Peace’. Three doves make their way towards heaven and the olive branches give them direction and represent mother earth. The dove at the top of the window is a messenger from God, as it carries a small olive branch. To emphasise the long journey to bring peace on earth, slightly bolder colours and shapes are used at the bottom of the window and paler tones and smaller shapes are used towards the top. This is a visual device to create a greater sense of depth and distance that is used in many of the windows. Scripture Text Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:7) PG No 75 Your gentleness in particular will dispose the pupils to respect and have affection for you. Josephite Family Spirit You should be, without exception, gentle and compassionate. Douceur requires us to show gentleness and peace combined with compassion and care towards all people.

Strength An anchor, an emblem of ‘Hope’ has been placed centrally at the bottom of the window. The cross looms out as a tower of strength with the light flooding in through the cross. The small jewel-like segments of glass radiate out from the centre of the cross and circular lines create balance and unity. The circular shapes of the anchor also make up aureoles – representing supreme power/divinity. The dominant crimson red of the design also symbolises the presence of God, while orange is a symbol of courage, endurance and strength. The cross symbolises the sacrifice God made on our behalf that we might be saved. The opposite window with its pomegranate is a reminder that the death of Jesus gave way to his resurrection.

Scripture Text Our hope is real and true, an anchor to steady our restless souls. (Hebrews 6:9) He took on our sins in His body when He died on the cross so that we, being dead to sin, can live for righteousness. As the Scripture says, “Through His wounds, you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) PG No 129 Be of one heart and mind: ‘cor unum et anima una’. Putting this into effect is as simple as it is pleasant. Out of this is born life, strength and the powerful fruitfulness of your work. Josephite Family Spirit All are involved: Governors, Teachers, Support Staff, Pupils, Parents, Josephites and Former Pupils. Inclusiveness means our working together as one extended family which in turn gives strength to all.

Support The pomegranate plant is most often used to represent the Church because of its many seeds in a single fruit and so was chosen to symbolise ‘Support’. The pomegranate is a symbol of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Because of its abundance of seeds, it can also symbolize royalty and the church, where the seeds represent the many believers who make up the one universal church. At the bottom of the window two stems emerge and become entwined, their bulbous structure echoing the shape of the fruit. The bold lines and rich earthy tones at the base of the window offer a strong foundation like the Church, for the fruit and message of God to flourish. As the plant develops a large flower bursts forth and red fruits appear in abundance. At the top of the window the stems shrink and appear to move in a heavenly direction, creating both depth and a sense of time. Tracing the stems up the window reminds us we are on a road and just as the stem supports the leaves, so God supports us on our journey. Scripture Text The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10-11) We should give people our full support so that we can share in this work for the truth. (3 John 1:8) PG No 126 Two major thoughts on discipline in a nutshell:  Resolute firmness but with Douceur and Politesse.  Unfailing kindness always and to everyone. Josephite Family Spirit Your love for them will grow day by day and you will speak up ceaselessly in their support. You will correct them with gentleness. Pastoral Care and Discipline involves actively supporting and affirming each other.

The Holy Spirit Window The Holy Spirit window is multi-layered and rich in symbolism. The Holy Spirit is sometimes described in Scripture as ‘a powerful wind’ from heaven (Genesis 1:2, Acts 2:2). This is represented by the vortex in the centre of the window. Ru’ach, meaning ‘breath’, is the Hebrew word in the Old Testament for the Spirit of God and this can be seen bursting through the apparent ‘chaos’ at the time of creation and giving birth to our Universe depicted by the straight lines. The Spirit of God ‘hovering over creation as creation began’ (Genesis 1:2) is depicted by orange glass symbolising also both the emerging universe and the sun. The blue glass reminds us of the roles Mary and the Holy Spirit had in the Incarnation of Jesus (Luke 1:35) while the Holy Spirit which came down upon Jesus at his Baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:16) is the descending white dove. The ‘flames’ or ‘tongue of fire’ of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) are also a traditional symbols of the Holy Spirit and these are represented by the red coloured glass. At our Baptism we become Spirit filled people (Acts 10:44) and every day we are invited to become co-workers with God in whose image and likeness we are made (Gen 1:27). The Holy Spirit window encourages a growing awareness of the variety of ways in which we can respond to life and become co-creators with God in our world. The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Wonder and Awe, Reverence, Right Judgement, and Courage. (Isaiah 11:2-3) The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Finally With the help of the Holy Spirit we can say ‘yes’ to the doing what God asks of us which is: ‘To act justly; love tenderly and to walk humbly before our God.’ (Micah 6:8)