Another interesting
adornment of the church is the stained glass
windows clustered on the sides of the main
entrance. The striking colors filtered through
the windows create a visual effect that
enhances the solemnity of the atmosphere
and the sacredness of the place. Its imagery
is made unusual with its depiction of Jesus
the Good Shepherd among young Filipino children
in a very Filipino setting. In this sense,
the people can easily identify themselves
to Jesus’ omnipresence not only in
this world, but more specifically in this
country. It is likewise reflective of Jesus’
preaching that we must “be like little
children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
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The other group of stained
glass windows portrays Jesus the Good Shepherd
preaching to adults: again the setting is
very Filipino with some men listening attentively
while others have their backs turned to
Jesus Christ, a great reminder of the “Parable
of the Sower.”
The employment of stained
glass windows in church architecture dates
back to the Gothic period. During this time,
the windows were the medium by which religious
icons were portrayed. It not only gave the
church a stately ambience, but allowed filtered
sunlight to vividly illuminate its interiors.
As such the Gothic principles of functional
aesthetics has now been applied to the Cathedral
Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd,
admitting to some modern innovations. Whereas
previously stained glass windows only served
to elucidate an otherwise dark church, it
has now been engaged to achieve aesthetic
contrasts through its dainty and lace-like
features against the solid massiveness and
modern character of the church. Finely designed
with exquisite craftsmanship, the church’s
windows also inspires spiritual awareness
and education for the people. |
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The
Church Exterior
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