This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

Stairs in churches generally indicate the idea of spiritual ascent.	Here	we	have	several
stairs, therefore, leading up the altar and the tabernacle in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary itself, therefore, represents the blending of the spiritual world and the world of humanity. The Altar represents the mediating power between heaven and earth.
The elaborate painting of Our Lady of the Gulf is indeed beautiful. It is interesting to note that this painting — unlike the others — was done on cloth and then attached to the dome. All other paintings in the Church are done directly on the walled surfaces. In the foreground is the Gulf of Mexico on which are old-time sailing ships. The lights are, of course, blue — the traditional color of the Virgin Mary. Mary sits with the Child Jesus in her lap, indicating that all that Mary does, she does through Jesus.
The next window depicts Jesus appearing to Mary, his mother, after the	resurrection. Note
the position of submission of Mary to her risen son as he carries the banner of victory over death and emerges fully alive. In the banner in the center of the cross, we once again see the passion flower. It is surrounded by the cross, and the cross is surrounded by white. This is the joy of victory over death. Note also the dogwood at the feet of Jesus. Dogwood is another symbol of the resurrection. The whole window reminds us that we who share in Jesus's death through baptism, we will also share in his resurrection. The window is dedicated to the
mother of Ernest J. Leonhard.
The next window near the door depicts the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. This is conveyed by the presence of the trinity who acknowledge Mary as coredemptrix of the human race. Notice the city of Jerusalem pictured below. The window is dedicated to the Hugo Hoffman Family.
Above the door is a window depicting a theology which was popular at the time that the windows were designed and constructed. It is a theology which is not appropriate in today's time, and I think that you will understand what I mean after I have explained the scene. In the window, Mary is depicted as receiving Holy Communion. Here is Mary who brought Jesus into the world. It is somewhat ridiculous to depict that same Mary as receiving the body of Christ in Holy Communion.
13