From Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
The stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel were designed by Beverley Shore Bennett and made by Stephen Belanger-Taylor. They focus on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady, mother of Jesus.
Photographs © Glen McCullough, 2009
The Annunciation: The Archangel Gabriel is sent by God to tell Mary she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus. The lily at the top of the window represents Mary's purity.
The Visitation: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, also with child. The traditional symbol of Mary, the rose, is also in the window.
The Magnificat: This is Mary's song of praise to God. Her son Jesus will be light of the world, hence the picture of a Roman oil lamp.
Nativity: Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus
Presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem: The nail through the heart signifies the meeting with the old man Simeon and his warning of Mary's future ordeal and the grief that will pierce her heart.
Epiphany: Mary and Jesus are with the wise men's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The five pointed star is the traditional star of Bethlehem.
Flight to Egypt: Warned that Herod plans to kill the child Jesus, Mary and Joseph flee south to refuge in Egypt. The Roman sword at the top of the picture signifies Herod's rage and the slaughter of the Innocents, boys under two in Bethlehem.
Temple visit: Jesus, aged twelve, visits the Temple with his parents and astonishes the teachers with his questions. The scroll pictured in the window represents his understanding of the Torah, the holy book of Jewish history and the law.
Miracle of Cana: Mary was present when her son Jesus turned water into wine at a local wedding feast. "Do whatever he tells you," Mary told the servants. A bunch of grapes foreshadows his ultimate sacrifice.
Crucifixion: Mary and St John stand at the foot of the cross.
