St. Joseph’s Window

This window depicts the death of Joseph, earthly father of Jesus. Joseph played a vital role in Jesus’ life. Matthew 1:19 refers to Joseph as “a just man”. At the very top of the window is a fleur-de-lis symbolizing the human nature of Christ. Immediately below the fleur-de-lis is a lily intertwined with a carpenter’s square. Joseph was a carpenter and passed down his occupation to Jesus. There are more carpentry tools on the wall above Joseph’s head. Lilies abound in this window; tradition has it that the fragrance of lilies filled the room as Joseph lay dying. Lilies are a symbol of Joseph’s purity. It is said that Christ was present at Joseph’s death and we see him by the bed, along with Mary and two angels. The lamp above the figures has three lights symbolizing the Trinity. The German inscription translates, “Donated by St. Joseph’s Friendly Society”. That society was the original men’s organization in the parish.

This is a print of a watercolor painting by Jennifer Walterscheid in 2007. The window can be found in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas.