Saint Joseph Catholic Church – C Windows

Death of St. Joseph — Clerestory Window

This Gothic-arched stained glass window depicts the “Death of Saint Joseph”, a traditional devotional subject sometimes referred to as the “Patron of a Happy Death” since he is believed to have died in the presence of both Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• • Jesus is shown standing at Joseph’s bedside, extending His hand in compassion and blessing. His red cloak symbolizes divine love and sacrifice, and His halo radiates His divinity.
  • Mary, clothed in blue and white, kneels in prayer and support beside Joseph.
  • Joseph reclines upon his bed, his expression peaceful yet weakened by age. His lily stalk staff (symbol of his purity and role as the chaste guardian of Mary) leans against the table.
• Holy Spirit Dove
  At the apex of the window the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove radiates divine presence over Joseph’s final moments.
• Border Symbolism
  The border design incorporates stylized lilies, a longstanding emblem of Saint Joseph’s purity and virtue. As the church’s patron saint, Joseph’s lily border motif would run through all of the clerestory windows.

• Architectural Setting
  The interior architectural canopy frames the event. A window to the outside reveals a twilight sky, suggesting the closing of Joseph’s earthly life.