In the summer of 1962, I visited Strasbourg, France, and spent a good deal of time in the magnificent cathedral. One stained-glass window in particular remained in my memory for decades until I was able to return and see it again in the late 1990's. It represents Pentecost, with a brilliant red fire flooding down upon the Blessed Virgin and the Apostles. Many people rightly praise the blue of the Cathedral of Chartres. Ill never forget the red of Strasbourg.St. Augustine refers in one sermon to the inundatio Spiritusthe flood of the Spirit.)Here is a site with much about the cathedral, and here is a photo of the window.Pentecost StrasbourgWhile I was uploading this, I found in my image files an earlier representation of Pentecost. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I got it, but it also is very beautiful.Pentecost1

Rev. Joseph A. Komonchak, professor emeritus of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, is a retired priest of the Archdiocese of New York.

Also by this author
© 2024 Commonweal Magazine. All rights reserved. Design by Point Five. Site by Deck Fifty.