The Mary Banner

By Father John Keoughan, BA '64, BEd '66

The cover of this issue is dedicated to the Mary Banner, which has hung in the St. Thomas University Chapel for 13 years. Imagine that banner recreated in stained glass. Imagine another stained glass window commemorating our rich history going back to the University’s establishment at St. Michael’s Academy in 1860. Right now we have the opportunity to create this legacy.

A few months ago, St. Thomas University undertook the task to replace the ten large windows that dominate the chapel. Five windows have already been replaced with modern energy efficient glass that will maintain the charm of the room and increase the comfort level considerably. As part of the renovations, we have a chance to enhance the beauty of the chapel by installing two stained glass windows. With the support of the Diocese and the University, a small group of chapel community members have joined together to make this new and very worthwhile project happen. The project will cost $80,000 to complete and donations are currently being accepted. The committee would be happy to discuss a giving plan with you (memorial gifts or tribute gifts are also being accepted). All donations will be recognized on a special memorial plaque in the chapel and receive a tax receipt. Since 1964, the chapel has been the heart of the campus and a place for both the university and broader community to gather in faith. Please join us and be part of this wonderful legacy. For more information contact: Campus Ministry at keoughan@stu.ca or by phone at 506-452-0643.

The Mary Banner designed and made by Marjorie Wathen Aitken, December 1990

The theme of this banner is a meditative and reflective exploration of feminine characteristics, combining the worlds of myth and a contemporary Christian contemplation of Mary.

MARY
The Mary of this banner is a young pregnant woman, a solid fertility symbol reminiscent of the earliest artifacts of Minoan times and of African carvings, which unites her with nature, fecundity, and creativity. Expectant, waiting, she holds the ball of the world in her hand, a world of red, brown, black, yellow, and white races. What we see through the eyes of Mary are the symbols of an inner reality.

THE TREE
In the playground of this world is a dual tree. It is the tree of knowledge around which twists the serpent tempter, and the serpent healer. It is also the tree of life whose fruit gives ‘everlasting life’ and ‘whose leaves are for the healing of the nations’. On its branch sits a cockerel, a reminder of Peter’s and our denial.

THE SHELL
In her humanity Mary chose to listen to the word of God. As a child by the seashore picks up a shell and listens to the sound, so the shell at her feet represents curiosity, inquiry and interior listening. A child’s pail and shovel play with the sands of time and our frail boats sail forth on a spiritual adventure.

THE FISH AND MOON
The Christian fish circle the seas and the tree roots, while a crescent moon in the waves at Mary’s feet represents tides, times and the reference in Revelation to ‘woman clothed in the sun for her mantle, and the moon at her feet’.

THE VEIL
In some cultures women are veiled. The veil here suggests a mystery eternally present, always hidden. From Phoebus Apollo the sun god to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ on the Cross is at eye level with His Mother, in the cross of the window. The other two crosses indicate the others crucified.

THE TRINITY
Three circles, the circle of light, the circle of Mary’s motherhood and the circle intimated by the bird of the Holy Spirit are equal in size and distance to illustrate the trinity of Father, son and Holy spirit. The pillar at the right supporting an arch, hints at a Palladian window and classical architecture, and suggests Mary, Our Lady of Wisdom.

THE CITY
The distant city can interpreted as the Rome of ‘non nobis sed urbi et orbi’, ‘not for ourselves but for our city and the world,’ a place of political and social action.

Connections Spring 2003 / Alumni / STU Home