As we prepare to launch the second and last phase of the redecoration project in early June, there is still much to admire and learn from what was accomplished in the initial phase, including the addition of the stained-glass windows in the Sanctuary doors.

Sanctuary doors stained-glass windows

One of the many beautiful accomplishments of the initial phase of the redecorating project For Such a Time as This was the addition of four symbolic stained-glass window panels to the doors on each of side of the Sanctuary.

This addition follows a longstanding tradition of symbolically dating work within a church, basilica, or cathedral. Often, the coat of arms of the bishop or archbishop in charge at the time is displayed, along with the coat of arms of the reigning pope. These are reflected in the doors to the sacristy on the north side. On the south side of the sacristy, the doors honor Bishop Gunn, who was the first Pastor of Sacred Heart and a Marist, and Bishop Konzen, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese and former President of the Marist School which has historic ties to our church. 

About Pope Francis' Coat of Arms

A Pope's coat of arms, or crest, traditionally features the papal tiara and the crossed keys of St. Peter as external ornaments. The blue shield is surmounted by the symbols of papal dignity. In addition to these traditional features, Pope Francis Coat of Arms contains elements important to him personally. At the top of the shield is the emblem of the Pope's religious order, the Society of Jesus: a radiant sun carrying the letters in red, “IHS”, the monogram of Jesus. The letter “H” is crowned by a cross; beneath the letters are three black nails.

Lower down on the shield there is a star and spikenard flower. The star symbolizes the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ and the Church; while the spikenard symbolizes St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. These symbols communicate the Pope’s special devotion to the Most Holy Virgin and to St Joseph.

The Pope’s banner “miserando atque eligendo” translates “having mercy, he called him”. 

About Archbishop Hartmayer’s Coat of Arms

As viewed here the right side of the shield is the personal Coat of Arms of Bishop Hartmayer. It represents the Bishop’s heritage and vocation as a Conventual Franciscan Friar. The background of wavy blue and white is a heraldic symbol for water. The Bishop is a native of Buffalo, NY – the Queen City of the Great Lakes. Water is also the key symbol of Baptism – the first Sacrament of Initiation as a Christian. This helps recall the Bishop’s ministry as the primary sacramental minister of his diocese. The eagle serves as a two-fold symbol of both the Bishop’s German heritage and of St. John the Evangelist. The Bishop’s father was named John, and this is the Bishop’s middle name. The Celtic Knot, known as a Triquetra, represents the Bishop’s Irish heritage on his maternal side. And finally, the Tau is a reference to Bishop Hartmayer’s vocation as a Conventual Franciscan Friar.

Behind the arms is placed a gold processional cross – the symbol of Episcopal office. For the processional cross, Bishop Hartmayer has selected the Cross of San Damiano. The entire Franciscan movement began when St. Francis, whilst praying at the Chapel of San Damiano, heard the crucifix speak to him and say, “Francis, go rebuild my Church for it is falling to ruins.” Beneath the arms, a pallium symbolizes the office of the archbishop. Surrounding the shield and processional cross is the pontifical hat called the “galero”. The left side of the shield in this view is the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and includes the motto, Pax et Bonum – Peace and Good – these are the words that were used by St. Francis in his greetings to others. It embodied the simplicity and goodness he saw in all of God’s Creation.

About Bishop Gunn and his Coat of Arms

John Edward Gunn, S.M. (15 March 1863 – 19 February 1924) was an Irish-born priest, and the first Pastor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from 1897 until 1911. Later he served as Bishop of Natchez from 1911 until his death in 1924. Please note the use of S.M. after his name, indicating that he was a member of the Society of Mary or a Marist. The Marist Chapel of St. Peter Chanel is so named to honor the Marist’s stewardship of Sacred Heart for nearly 70 years.

Bishop Gunns Coat of Arms is made up of the Archdiocese of Natchez Coat of Arms on the left of the shield. The right side contains his personal cost of arms including the  capital M or symbol of the Marist Brothers, and a ship which is likely symbolic of Bishop Gunn’s migration by way of the sea from Ireland to the United States.

For his motto he chose the following - Monstra Te Esse Matrem meaning, Show Yourself to be Our Mother. This is the 1st line of the 4th verse of the 6th century Marian hymn called "Ave Maris Stella” by Venantius Fortunatus - you can listen to it here:

                                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNQHkipuk_s

About Bishop Konzen’s Coat of Arms

For the bishop who is without jurisdiction, as an Auxiliary Bishop, the entire shield of his design is given over to his personal arms. For Bishop Konzen the shield is silver (white) with a blue pile (an “A” shaped device) upon which is displayed the conjoined “A” and “M,” known an “the monogram of Mary,” in silver (white) that is the emblem of the Society of Mary, known as the Marists, that is the Bishop’s religious community. The pile resembles an inlet of water, such as a bay or harbor, and this pile is charged with a gold (yellow) oak leaf to signify Oak Harbor, Ohio, where Bishop Konzen was born and raised.

Above the pile are an open book (gold [yellow] with red edges) and a red cross of The Faith to signify that Bishop Konzen has spent most of his life in education, in a Catholic environment, including his last position, before coming to the fullness of Christ’s Most Holy Priesthood, as a Bishop, as President of the Marist School in Atlanta.

For his motto, His Excellency, Bishop Konzen has adopted the Latin phrase “MISERERE GAUDENS,” that is taken from the 8th verse of the 12th chapter of Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. This passage can be paraphrased as “Be merciful, and with a cheerful heart.”



The achievement is completed with the external ornaments, which are a gold (yellow) processional cross that extends above and below the shield and a pontifical hat called a galero, with its six tassels in three rows on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by instruction of the Holy See, of March 1969.

More about the Sanctuary Doors

After almost 130 years, these doors that provide access to the Sacristy need to be repaired. It would be interesting to know how many times they have been opened and closed during that time. Using a conservative guess, beginning with our first Pastor, Father Gunn, until today with our current Pastor, Father Howren, it is probably over 1 million times.

In keeping with the church’s history, the original heart of pine doors will be replaced with new heart of pine doors in the same style. The new door provider is Randall Brothers who we suspect was the original provider given that they were founded in 1885 and were located on Marietta Street close to the original church building. The new doors will be installed in May of this year along with new door hardware. Once that is complete, the beautiful stained-glass windows will be re-installed. 

Later this summer, the doors, and the decorative arches will be stained to complement the new decor. Then, those traveling from the Sacristy to the Sanctuary can start the next million door openings into this beautiful space.