Stained Glass in O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library

This 120 square-foot stained glass window is in the tower.  In the center stands the university's patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, with two distinct expressions. On the right, his face has a thoughtful and intelligent expression.

On the left, he appears more sorrowful and compassionate. Together, Thomas is gazing on the crucifix with the combination of wisdom and love.

St. Jerome

Born 342, died 420. St. Jerome, a Doctor of the Church, translated the Latin Bible and produced what is known as the Vulgate translation. The lion symbolizes the conquered paganism.

St. Teresa of Avila

Born 1515, died 1582. St. Teresa was the great Carmelite reformer and one of the greatest mystical writers of the Church.

 Christ as Teacher

Chi Rho, the (XP) symbols depicted here, are the abbreviation in Greek of "Christ." 

Sherlock Holmes

The great detective was the fictional creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930.)

Holy Spirit

All four Evangelists record the appearance of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the Baptism of Christ. Prior to the eleventh century the dove was the sole symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Newman

John Henry Newman, born 1801, died 1890. The great cardinal, through his writings, is credited with the growth of Catholicism in England and the United States.

Radisson

Pierre Esprit Radisson, seventeenth century French explorer and fur trader, who was among the first white men to visit what is now Minnesota.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom

The book with the fleur de lys and the flame symbolize Mary's purity; the throne symbolizes her high position in heaven.

Homer

The classical writer who wrote the Iliad. The medallion depicts the Trojan horse, left by the Greeks outside the walls of Troy, filled with Greek soldiers.

St. Ignatius Loyola

Born 1491, died 1556. He is the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the author of the Spiritual Exercises.

St. Albert the Great

Born 1206, died 1280. The objects refer to the natural sciences. He was proficient in every branch of science cultivated in his time, and therefore he is called the Universal Doctor. He was the teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas. The mitre represents his office as bishop. 

Foxley Coat of Arms

The coat of Arms of the Foxley family of Omaha, Nebraska, who contributed special volumes to the Irish collection.