COMMON DIVINE CATHOLIC SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS

CROSS

A symbol of sacrifice, hope, and salvation, the cross is one of the most
popular symbols of Christianity. Rightly called the wood of Christ, it is a
reminder of Jesus' death by being nailed to a cross. However, it
represents Christ's victory over sin and death, and translates to being a
beacon of hope for Christians.

CRUCIFIX

The crucifix is nothing but a depiction of the cross that reveals the body of Christ
as a reminder of the suffering and sacrifice made for mankind. The crucifix adorns
the walls of homes and churches of Roman Catholics. It is placed facing the priest
on the altar and facing the congregation above the Eucharistic altar. It is, in truth,
the ultimate symbol of sacrifice.

BREAD AND WINE

Considered to be the holiest part in a Eucharistic

celebration, the consecrated bread and wine are seen as
the Body and Blood of Christ sacrificed on the altar. The
priest and the laity become one in Christ after receiving
the Holy Communion.

ALPHA AND OMEGA

Seen on the paschal candle, as well as on the vestments of the priest, the
symbols of Alpha and Omega stand for Christ being the beginning and end of
all things. They are also the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
 CHI RHO

Inscribed on liturgical items, vestments, gravestones,

sacred vessels, and plaques, the Chi Rho is a symbol of
Christ. Superimposed on one another, the Greek letters
chi (X)―corresponding to the 'Ch'―and rho
(P)―corresponding to the 'r' of Christ―are often
rendered in the form of a cross.

ICHTHYS

Ichthys is represented as two arcs intersecting to form a fish. ΙΧΘΥΣ is an

acronym for Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr, which translates into English
as "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior". The symbol of fish is a brief profession of
faith in the divinity of Christ and acknowledging Jesus as the redeemer of
mankind.

INRI

Seen inscribed as a banner on the crucifix, INRI is the acronym for the
Latin phrase Iēsus Nazarēnus, Rēx Iūdaeōrum. It translates to Jesus
of Nazareth, King of the Jews. It is the title given to Jesus by Pontius
Pilate, the Roman governor who ordered it to be inscribed over the
cross on which Jesus was crucified.

LAMB

The Lamb of God is a title rightly given to Christ by John

the Baptist. There are many instances where Christ is
referred to as the Lamb who sacrificed his life on the cross,
thus, becoming the Paschal lamb or sacrificial lamb who
redeemed the world by shedding His blood.
 GOOD SHEPERD

Depicted as a shepherd with his sheep, it is used as a title with reference to

Christ. Jesus is called the good shepherd―the one who leads his flock to
greener pastures as well as gives rest to the weary soul.

LION OF JUDAH

While the Lion of Judah referred to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob in the Old
Testament, the Book of Revelation uses it to refer to Jesus. Both Jesus and
King David hail from the tribe of Judah, making the lion a representation of
the triumph of Jesus.

PASCHAL CANDLE

The Paschal candle lit every year at the dawn of Easter is symbolic of
the risen Christ. The flame of the candle is used to symbolize the
eternal presence of Christ who is also called the light of the world.

WHEAT

Bread that is used as a symbol of sacrifice is made from

wheat. Just like the grain of wheat that falls to the ground
and dies so as to bear fruit, so is the life of Christ a sacrifice.
This just goes to say that the grain of wheat is a symbol of
Christ.
 SACRED HEART OF JESUS

The Sacred Heart is depicted as a heart with a cross pierced through it and
thorns twisted around the heart. It is a symbol of Christ's eternal love for all
humanity.

DOVE

A symbol of God's grace and peace, a dove is used to represent the

Holy Spirit. The Paraclete or the Holy Spirit forms the third person of
the Trinity.

FLAME/FIRE

Tongues of fire descending down to the earth is used to represent the

gifts of the Holy Spirit. Just like the dove, it is a symbol of the Holy
Spirit.

THE ROSARY BEEDS

The Rosary beads are used as a means to keep a count of the number of Hail
Mary's while contemplating on the episodes, also called the mysteries in the
life and death of Jesus. It is the Catholic way of praying to Jesus by interceding
through Mary. The Rosary prayer itself is akin to a Crown of Roses, or a garland
of rose, laying emphasis on the life of Mary whose focus was Christ.
FLEUR DE LIS

The Fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily that is used to decorate shrines, chapels,

and grottos dedicated to Mary. It is used to symbolize the purity of Mary.

LILY

Considered to be a symbol of humility, chastity, innocence, and purity,

the lily is often used to symbolize Mary. The white lily, in particular, is a
flower of great beauty and when open, resembles a star and is likened to
Mary.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Mary's heart is depicted as pierced with seven wounds or swords, and

has roses or flowers wrapped around the heart. This image is one of
the most popular images of the Immaculate Heart, attracting the
attention towards the love and virtues of the heart of Mary.

THREE-LEAFED CLOVER

Called the trinity flower, it

symbolizes the Holy Trinity―The
Father, Son, and Spirit―triune
God in one. Another popular
symbol of the trinity is that of the
Wood Lily or the Trillium flower.
 TRIQUETRA

Three interlocking arcs are used to represent the Father, Son, and
Spirit. The equality of the arches is symbolic of the equal standing of
the trinity.

Crossed keys are symbols of the Pope's authority. St. Peter who was
considered to be the first Pope was promised the key to the kingdom of
Heaven. A representation of the triple tiara combined with two crossed
keys of Saint Peter continues to be used as a symbol of the papacy and
appears on papal documents, buildings, and insignia.

PAPAL CROSS

The triple cross, or the cross with three horizontal beams,

is used as an emblem for the office of the Pope. One of the
interpretations of the three crossbars, akin to the three
bands of the tiara, is interpreted as teacher, lawmaker, and
judge.

MITRE AND STAFF

The mitre, or the bishop's cap, and

staff are common symbols used in the
Roman Catholic religion. It simply
signifies the office of the pastoral
staff.
 PATRIARCHAL CROSS

The Patriarchal cross or the

archiepiscopal cross is seen on the coat
of arms. Unlike the cross of the Pope,
this has two horizontal bars signifying
the archbishop.

ASPERGILLUM

Called an aspergil, the sprinkler is a liturgical element used to dispense

Holy Water. The main objective behind using it is to prepare the
congregation for the celebration of the Mass by moving them to
sentiments of penance and reverence.

CENSER

Also known as the thurible, it is used to

burn incense during services. Burning of
incense itself is symbolic of prayer and
offering. The smell of incense is akin to
the presence of God.

STOUP

Placed at the entrance of the church, the stoup or the holy

water font is used as a reminder of the baptismal promises. It
also serves as a means to purify, and by the congregation, to
sign themselves before entering the church.
 CHERUB

The cherubim were symbolical. They were intended to represent

spiritual existences in immediate contact with Jehovah. Some have
regarded them as symbolical of the chief ruling power by which God
carries on his operations in providence. Others interpret them as
having reference to the redemption of men, and as symbolizing the
great rulers or ministers of the church. Many other opinions have been
held regarding them which need not be referred to here. On the
whole, it seems to be most satisfactory to regard the interpretation of
the symbol to be variable, as is the symbol itself.

VINES

Vines are commonly used as a metaphor for

children of God, peoples of God; they are
blessed and they grow and progress, just as
vines ‘climb’ in the vineyard.

GRAPES

In the Old Testament, grapes

symbolize God’s relation with people
of Israel. In one of verses, Jerusalem
is represented as a corrupted
vineyard, where only sour grapes
grow. In the Bible, grapes symbolize
wealth, abundance, prosperity and
fertility. Hebrew Bible mentions
grapes as a representative of seven species, the only agricultural products accepted as offerings in
the temple.
REFERENCES:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/cherub/

https://spiritualray.com/most-recognizable-catholic-symbols-their-meanings

https://dreamastromeanings.com/biblical-meaning-of-grapes-in-dreams-interpretation-and-
meaning/