Stained glass windows in Cathedral of St Francis

I had read online that there were stained glass windows of the 12 apostles along the sides of the Cathedral of St Francis. I got 10 pictures... I didn't see another two... but I wanted to get the pictures and then research the various things that are included with each figure. As I have looked at my pictures more closely, they include the 4 gospel-writers (Evangelists), only two of whom were also apostles - so I guess the windows are of 10 "saints", some of whom were also apostles.

I remember that it was so interesting to me to visit old churches or to see religious art with my Aunt Libby. She would always be able to identify which saint was depicted in the artwork (painting, statue, window) based on the items that the figure had with them - I admired her ability to know and remember those things, so I had thought if I got the pictures from the Cathedral of St Francis, I could start building my knowledge base!

I got most of the information I've included about the symbols from various wikipedia articles.

The Evangelists:

• Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolized by a winged man, or angel.

• Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion – a figure of courage and monarchy. The lion also represents Jesus' resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king.

• Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles), is symbolized by a winged ox or bull – a figure of sacrifice, service and strength.The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ.

• John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle – a figure of the sky, and believed by Christian scholars to be able to look straight into the sun.  This symbolizes that Christians should look on eternity without flinching as they journey towards their goal of union with God.

Luke is often accompanied by an ox or bull, usually having wings. Sometimes only the symbol is shown, especially when in a combination of those of all Four Evangelists.

Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account, is symbolized by a winged lion – a figure of courage and monarchy. The lion also represents Jesus' resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king.

Jacob (James).  James' emblem was the scallop shell (or "cockle shell"), and he is often depicted with a staff. The association of Saint James with the scallop can most likely be traced to the legend that the apostle once rescued a knight covered in scallops. The staff relates to his journeys to share about Jesus, visiting Spain to spread the gospel.

Thomas was speared to death in India where he was sharing the gospel, thus the spear with him indicates his martyrdom. I am not sure why he looks like he has a headache...

Early texts describe Andrew as bound, not nailed, to a Latin cross of the kind on which Jesus is said to have been crucified; yet a tradition developed that Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called crux decussata (X-shaped cross, or "saltire"), now commonly known as a "Saint Andrew's Cross" — supposedly at his own request, as he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus had been. Old man with long white hair and beard, holding the Gospel Book or scroll.

Philip is commonly associated with the symbol of the Latin cross. I can't find why that is specifically associated with him.

The account of Bartholomew being skinned alive is the most represented in works of art, and consequently Bartholomew is often shown with a large knife, holding his own skin, or both.

Simon the Zealot, pictured with a saw because he was traditionally martyred by being sawn in half.

Matthew is often depicted in Christian art with one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7. The one that accompanies him is in the form of a winged man.

Common attributes of John include a book or scroll, in reference to the writings traditionally attributed to him, and an eagle, which is argued to symbolize the high-soaring, inspirational quality of these writings.

I can see how these pictures could have helped non-literate believers to connect stories together with individuals.