Winged Creature with a Lion's Face, Mark: The winged lion represents Mark because his Gospel narrative begins with, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness", and this suggests the roar of a lion.
Lamb Standing with the Banner of Victory: No longer wounded as in Rev 5:1, but standing with the banner of victory, suggesting the victorious nature of His sacrifice.
Sheep, The Twelve Apostles: The apostles have been symbolized as a group as well as individually. In one place, twelve doves are used; in another, twelve men are shown, each with a sheep. Some very early carvings represent the apostles as twelve sheep.
Fish, Icthus and Cross: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Animals, St. Francis: The well-born Francis resolved to devote his life to God. Founded the Franciscans, the members of which embrace complete poverty, and help the sick and suffering. Died 1226 A.D.
Eagle, St. Wenceslas: Duke of Bohemia. A Christian, he took over the reigns of government at the time of a pagan reaction. He was murdered by his pagan brother. Patron saint of the Czechs. Martyred about 938 A.D.
Ox, St. Antipas: He is venerated as the first Bishop of Pergamus (Asia Minor), and is by St. John in the Apocalypse (11:13) styled the "Faithful witness." Tradition avers that he was roasted to death in a brazen ox in the reign of the Emperor Domitian. Martyred 90 A.D.
Stag, St. Eustace: Eustace was a Roman officer under the Emperor Trajan. He owed his conversion to the image of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers which he saw while hunting. Died 118 A.D.
Shell, James (the greater): The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle's zeal and missionary spirit.
Peacock: An early symbol of the Resurrection, the peacock sheds his feathers but then grows new, even more brilliant feathers.
Pelican: Symbol of the Atonement. The pelican was believed to draw blood from its own breast to feed its young.
Butterfly: Symbolizes the resurrection and eternal life. As the butterfly leaves the pupa and soars upward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ are His followers borne to a new life.
Snakes, St. Hilda: Of royal blood, Hilda took the habit of a nun. Because of her piety and holy life she was soon appointed abbess. Her influence was a factor in securing unity in the English church. Died 680 A.D.
Snake and shamrock, St. Patrick: A captive British boy in Ireland, Patrick escaped and was educated in continental monasteries. Later he returned to Ireland preaching and teaching the Gospel and building churches. Patron saint of Ireland. Died about 465 A.D.
Stag, St. Aidan: An Irish monk of Iona who was sent to evangelize northern England and received the devoted help of Kings Oswald and Oswin. Died 651 A.D.
Beehive, St. Chrysostrum or Chrysostom: The name St. John Chrysostom comes from the Greek chrysotomos, writes Nikki Johnson)
John, Bishop of Constantinople became the most eloquent preacher of the early Church, and so was called Chrysostrum, or Golden-mouthed. Legend says that when he was a baby, a swarm of bees settled on his mouth. Died 407 A.D.
Phoenix: A mythical bird which at death bursts into flame but rises from its own ashes. Symbol of the Resurrection and immortal life.
Fish, Icthus 4: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary). Three fish intertwined represent the Holy Trinity.
Fish, Icthus 1: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Fish, Icthus 3: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Fish, Icthus 2: A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
Horse, St. Theodore Tyro: A soldier in the Roman army, Theodore set fire to the temple of Cybele, and suffered martyrdom for his deed. Martyred 306 A.D.
Shepherd boy, St. Cuthbert: A shepherd boy in Britain who embraced the monastic life. He became a faithful preacher and missionary to the wild and untamed mountain people of Scotland, and on the island of Farne. Died 687 A.D.
Shepherd: This symbol, found in the Catacombs, reminds us of the loving care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Winged Creature with the Head of an Ox, Luke: The winged ox (an ox being an anumal of sacrifice) represents Luke, who stresses the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
Escallop Shell with Drops of Water: A symbol of our Lord's baptism.
Book on Fish, Simon the Zealot: This symbol is a book upon which rests a fish, because through the power of the Gospel Simon became a great fisher of men.
Dragon, St. Margaret: The daughter of a pagan priest of Antioch, she became a Christian. She endured much persecution because of her faith, but remained true. Patron saint of women in childbirth. Martyred about 306 A.D.
Lamb, St. Agnes: She was a devoted follower of Jesus who steadfastly refused all offers of marriage, claiming she was the "bride of Christ." She is now considered the patroness of chastity. Died 654 A.D.
Easter Bunny: From the children's page, we know that there's no bunny distributing eggs in the Easter story. It's OK to celebrate spring, but remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
Dove with Branch: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
Snail, shell, St. Lydia: A seller of purple dyes, Lydia was converted through the preaching of Paul and was baptized with her whole household. She was the first recorded Christian convert in Europe. (Acts 16:14.) First Century.
Hawk, St. Basil: A bishop in Asia Minor, where he defended his province against the Arian heresy. He wrote many doctrinal works, founded the first recorded hospice for travelers, and wrote the Eucharistic Liturgy which bears his name. Died 379 A.D.
Dog with torch, St. Dominic: Born a nobleman of Spain, he resigned all worldly honors for his Master. He established the Dominican order of Preaching Friars, and did not spare himself in his work for the glory of God. Died 1221 A.D.
Dove: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
Cock: A crowing cock (or rooster) represents Peter's denial of Jesus and is generally symbolic of infidelity in the face of danger or persecution. Because of their crowing early in the morning, the cock is also used as a symbol of watchfulness and vigilance.
Lamb: The Lamb Reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals is noted in Revelation 5:1. The lamb is reclining because He is the Wounded Lamb. The three-rayed nimbus denotes deity.