Windows of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul

Let there be light...

Theresa of Avila Theresa of Avila (1515-1582) was the founder of the reformed (Discalced) Carmelites. She was born of an aristocratic Castilian family at Avila and showed precocious piety by playing at hermitages with her younger brother and once running away from home with him to Morocco hoping to die as martyrs. She was brought up at home according to her rank until her mother died when she was fourteen. Theresa’ father sent her to be educated by Augustinian nuns in town. Theresa fell ill (ailments followed her the rest of her life) and after reading St. Jerome’s Letters decided to become a nun. Her father at first resisted but then gave his consent. Theresa joined the large Carmelite Convent (140 nuns) of the Incarnation of Avila at the age of 20. The convent proved to be too undisciplined for Theresa and she asked permission to start a reformed order whose vows would include poverty, hardship and solitude. Thus in 1562, with thirteen other nuns the house of St. Joseph at Avila was founded. Theresa would eventually establish sixteen other convents in her lifetime. A woman of devout faith, common sense, prudence and trust in Providence, she overcame all obstacles in her convent life. She is most noted for her gift of mysticism and her many visions of Christ, which she was instructed to write down by her spiritual director, John of the Cross. People of all faiths read her biography and books even today. In 1622 she was canonized; in 1970 she was declared a Doctor of the Church (the first woman to be so honored). The Window Theresa is shown robed in her traditional Carmelite garb of brown wool and leather sandals. She holds a book and pen representing one of the many books she wrote during her lifetime. Below is a shield with a dove ascending from the Word of God, representing the Holy Spirit inspiring Theresa’s writings. The words “God alone suffices” is, by traditional attribution, one of Theresa’s many nuggets of wisdom. The background matches the adjacent windows and the windows in the balcony. Donation $8,000

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Julian of Norwich We know little of Julian’s early life, only the probable date of her birth (1342). When she was thirty years old she became gravely ill and was given last rites. Suddenly, on the seventh day, all pain left her body and she received fifteen visions of the Passion. These visions brought her great peace and joy. She became a recluse and anchoress at Norwich soon after her recovery from illness, living in a small dwelling attached to the Church of St. Julian. Even in her lifetime she was a famed mystic and spiritual counselor and was frequently visited by clergymen and laypersons. She referred to Christ as “our courteous Lord”. Many have found strength and comfort in the words the Lord had given her,” I can make all things well; I will make all things well; I shall make all things well; and thou canst see for thyself that all manner of things shall be well”. The Window Julian of Norwich holds a cross in her hands signifying the Passion of Christ depicted in her many visions. Around her waist is a purple cincher representing Christ’s royalty and passion. Below her a beloved cat gazes at his extraordinary mistress. Legend has it that Julian loved cats for their mystic sense. The accent window illustrates her comforting words, “All shall be well.” The shield contains a lamp representing Julian’s dedication to prayer at all hours of the night and her meditation as a recluse. The background matches the two adjacent windows and the windows in the balcony. Donation $8,000

The Cathedral Center of St. Paul is located at
840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90026.
Telephone: 213.482.2040 * Fax: 213.482.5304