The Blessed Cardinals Ferrari and Schuster

Stained-glass window V07 is dedicated to two figures extremely important to the history of the Diocese of Milan: the Cardinals Andrea Carlo Ferrari and Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster.

It's the latest stained-glass window to be made for the Duomo.

In fact, the artist Giovanni Hajnal completed the window in 1988.

Positioned along the southern side of the Cathedral above the Sacro Cuore altar, window V07 stands out due to its bright colors, a modern interpretation of the glasswork tradition from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The stained-glass window V07 was donated to the Veneranda Fabbrica by the Credito Commerciale Bank, this is the reason why its emblem is included at the base of the artwork.

Hajnal juxtaposed the depiction of episodes inspired by the 15th century and monumental figures typical of the 16th century.

Born in Rome in 1880, Cardinal Schuster led the Diocese of Milan through the tempestuous years of World War II. He was a true pastor of souls during some of the darkest times of the early 20th century.

Archbishop of Milan from 1929 to 1954, Schuster is depicted by Hajnal in the top part of the window. His figure is characterized by monumental dimensions.

On the left, the Cathedral itself is featured with the Madonnina statue on top.

On the right, there is a sword, the symbol of Christianity, which is piercing evil.

Evil which, a little further down, takes on precise features: those of Barabbas.

Good however is present as well, personified by a Suffering Christ.

Continuing down Saint Jerome is depicted, in a stance of meditation and contemplation.

Other Saints who inspired Schuster are also depicted: Saint Benedict, Saint Galdinus, and Saint Ambrose.

A little further down, there are also Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Gregory.

Born in Lalatta, Cardinal Ferrari was Bishop of Guastalla (1890), then bishop of Como (1891), lastly, he led the Archdiocese of Milan until 1921, not long after the end of World War I, which he declared "ruina magna" (a great ruin).

Hajnal depicted Cardinal Ferrari with a crosier in his hand, in the act of blessing.

On the sides Christ the Good Shepherd and Christ the Teacher.

A little further down, it is possible to see Faith, together with other virtues dear to the Bishop.

Work is personified in the kneeling figure, representing the working class. In the background, a typical urban panorama can be seen, with outlines of factories and chimneys.

Next to this urban skyline, there is the Good Shepherd.

Hajnal paid homage to the two Archbishops with a highly expressive language, characterized by a vibrant chromatism and a modern interpretation of the glasswork tradition of the past.

Read more on Milan Cathedral Remixed.