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The fourth set is of Jude and Andrew. Jude is pictured with a club or staff. Andrew is shown with the X-shaped cross on which he was martyred.
The fifth set is of James the Minor and Philip. James the Less is seen with the pole, which killed him, and Philip is pictured with his method of martyrdom - the cross from which he was suspended by his neck.
There are three small windows behind the Main Altar. They depict the Sorrowful Mother, the chalice and stole as symbolic of priesthood, and Jesus with the crown of thorns.
The elaborate painting of Our Lady of the Gulf is indeed beautiful. It is interesting to note that this painting — unlike the others -- was done on cloth and then attached to the dome. All other paintings in the Church are done directly on the walled surfaces. In the foreground is the Gulf of Mexico on which are old-time sailing ships. The lights are, of course, blue — the traditional color of the Virgin Mary. Mary sits with the Child Jesus in her lap, indicating that all that Mary does, she does through Jesus.
Many of the images of Catholic tradition appear in the stained-glass windows throughout the Church. The images in the windows are not only for the sake of art, but they were originally meant to be a form of catechism for people who could not read. It was through these images, therefore, that people were taught the traditions of the faith. It is unfortunate that few of us take time these days to mediate on the images in the windows.
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Our Lady of the Gulf Church Document (199)
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