Atrium - St. Francis Embracing Christ on the Cross Stained-Glass Window

St. Francis Embracing Christ on the Cross Stained-Glass Window

This stained-glass window is based upon an oil-on-canvas painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, created in 1668-1669, which is displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. It originally formed part of a series of paintings on the distinctive elements of Franciscan spirituality commissioned by the Capuchin Order for their monastery church in Seville.

"St. Francis embracing the crucified Christ" depicts Saint Francis's deep identification with Jesus's suffering, famously culminating in him receiving the stigmata (wounds of Christ) on Mount La Verna, symbolizing his total renunciation of worldly goods to follow Christ's path of poverty and love, a theme often shown in art with him pushing away a globe and Jesus returning his embrace.

The composition symbolizes the crucial moment in St. Francis’s life when he renounced all worldly goods to embrace the religious life. The Savior wraps His right arm around St. Francis, showing His acceptance of the Saint's offering.

In the original painting, St. Francis’s foot rests on a globe, representing his renunciation of the world for Christ. Two angels hold a book, on which is written in Latin: "You who do not give up everything that you have cannot be my disciple.”

This window reminds us of the prayer of St. Francis before the crucifix:

"Most High glorious God,

enlighten the darkness of my heart.

Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity.

Fill me with understanding and knowledge

that I may fulfill your command."

St. Francis (1181-1226) had a profound love for the crucified Lord that manifested as a deep compassion for Jesus' suffering, culminating in him receiving the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) in his own body in 1224.

During the pilgrimage to Italy of the Assisi Scholars in 2024, we had the unique opportunity to celebrate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata by celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Stigmata at the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna. Shown (right) is Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM celebrating Mass in the chapel.

His Feast Day is October 4th.

The window is in memory of Dr. Deborah M. Luebbe who passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024 while in the loving care of Hospice of Cincinnati.

Deborah was born January 26, 1951. She spent her formative years growing up in Price Hill and Delhi. After graduating from Holy Family, she continued her Catholic education at Seton High School. Deborah continued her education at both The University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.

Deborah started her career as an English teacher before spending several years in the corporate world as an Executive Development Coach. During this time, she earned a PHd in Corporate Psychology. In 2003 Deborah returned to her real calling of teaching at Roger Bacon High School.

Dr. Deborah Luebbe, affectionately referred to as Deb, spent over 34 years in Catholic education – 23 years at Roger Bacon High School. She taught every grade and every academic level of English. She served on committees for admission, search committees for administration and multiple committees for the Board of Directors. She also served as English Department Chair. Dr. Luebbe spearheaded the development of the innovative Assisi Scholars Program and was instrumental in two other student-centered initiatives – the San Juan Bautista Pilgrimage and the St. Clare Society. Known as a caring teacher who challenged students to be their best, Deb was known for her leadership, kindness, generosity, and willingness to help all who came in contact with her. A mentor to her fellow teachers and shining example to her students, she was the embodiment of the Franciscan values of humbleness, service to others, compassion, and joy. Deb made an immeasurable and lasting impact on the entire Roger Bacon school community.

She is survived by Gerald, her husband of 43 years. Her loving niece Stephanie (John) Barber, her great nephews, John Oliver and Henry Barber, and her stepson, Christopher Luebbe. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Dolores and Guido (Ben) Ziccardi, and her sister Roseanna (Tim) McGowan.