The Cathedralís beauty is enriched by its many stained glass windows, reflecting as they do the 19th century Catholic piety and devotional practices. The ten large windows in the nave have recently been restored. Closest to the front are images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The image of the Assumption of the Virgin reflects the Catholic belief, that Mary was bodily assumed into heaven; a special honor for the sinless Mother of God.
Two apostles are honored: Saint Paul is shown with the traditional symbol of his martyrdom, his sword, and Saint John the Evangelist faces him across the nave, holding the book and quill of a Gospel writer. Saints popular at the time or with the founding congregation were also honored. The strong Irish heritage of the faith community and its pastors would account for the choice of Saint Patrick. Saint John Berchmans, a Jesuit who died in 1621, was canonized, or officially recognized as a saint, in 1888, just before the Cathedral's dedication.
The Good Shepherd stresses the protection afforded by Jesus as a loving Savior, and the importance of following his example. The image of the Holy Family in Nazareth related to the social and economic context of Birmingham in the 1880s. The early parishioners were mostly railroad construction workers and miners. Joseph, the carpenter, is set at the apex of the scene. His presence, with the tools of his trade prominently displayed, creates a protective envelope encompassing both the Boy Jesus and His mother, engaged in the domestic labor of spinning wool, illustrating both the dignity of labor and the value of family solidarity. The value of children is further seen in the image of Christ and Children, donated by a couple in fond memory of their daughter Catherine. The Savior gathers the children in his arms, as they hope He has done with their own child.
Above the nave windows are ten clerestory windows; in the facade of the
church is a large modern window now obscured by the organ. Four small windows
in the sanctuary area portray images of the Finding of the Child Jesus
in the Temple, the Holy Family, Jesus and the Children, and the Annunciation.
Looking up at the dome over the sanctuary, you will see a circular window
with a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit. Not also the beautiful stained
glass transoms over the main doors from the narthex into the nave.
Organ
In 1986, a new Moller organ, an instrument of four manuals (keyboards),
was installed in the choir gallery at the rear of the nave. The organ speaks
directly down the nave, and its sound is enhanced by the splendidly resonant
acoustics of the Cathedral. Many organists and other musicians regard the
Cathedral organ as one of the most effective in the Southeast US. It contributes
greatly to the active music program at the Cathedral.
