Eight stained glass windows in the Roman Catholic Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Albany, New York depict events in the life of Jesus Christ. The third portrays the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
Notice that Joseph carries a cage with the requisite two turtle doves mentioned in Luke 2:24. Could this be the basis for the two turtle doves mentioned in the “Twelve Days of Christmas”?
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
SOURCE: The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Stained Glass Window in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, Albany, New York. Created approximately 1904-1908 in Munich, Germany. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko 09 Jul 2007.
{2:21} And after eight days were ended, so that the boy would be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, just as he was called by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb.
{2:22} And after the days of her purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem, in order to present him to the Lord,
{2:23} just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “For every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord,”
{2:24} and in order to offer a sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
{2:25} And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and God-fearing, awaiting the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was with him.
{2:26} And he had received an answer from the Holy Spirit: that he would not see his own death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
{2:27} And he went with the Spirit to the temple. And when the child Jesus was brought in by his parents, in order to act on his behalf according to the custom of the law,
{2:28} he also took him up, into his arms, and he blessed God and said:
{2:29} “Now you may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, according to your word.
{2:30} For my eyes have seen your salvation,
{2:31} which you have prepared before the face of all peoples:
{2:32} the light of revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”
{2:33} And his father and mother were wondering over these things, which were spoken about him.
{2:34} And Simeon blessed them, and he said to his mother Mary: “Behold, this one has been set for the ruin and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and as a sign which will be contradicted.
{2:35} And a sword will pass through your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
{2:36} And there was a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, and she had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity.
{2:37} And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day.
{2:38} And entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel.
{2:39} And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth.SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor . The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. Luke 2:21-39. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-03_Luke.htm>. Accessed 11 Jul 2007.
This stained glass window includes the inscription: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of John Minahan”.
For other posts on the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, see:
For posts on the Vincentian Institute, see:
For posts on the Pine Hills Branch of the Albany Public Library, see:
Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko
