Biblical art in Catholic churches
Category: Arts and Crafts
The book of Revelation, otherwise known as the ‘Apocalypse’, is the last book of the Bible. Its writer, named John, explains that while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, he experienced a series of prophetic visions. He was told by God to write them down for the seven churches of Asia (1:1-9). For … Continue reading The Revelation of St John (Revelation 1:1-20)
The account of Christ walking on water is found in three of the gospels, although only St Matthew’s version tells us about St Peter’s involvement in the miracle. (Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21) After Christ fed the 5,000, he told the apostles to set sail for the town of Capernaum, on the other side … Continue reading Christ walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33)
The imprisonment and brutal death of St John the Baptist is recorded in three of the gospels, although St Mark’s account is the most detailed (Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-29; Luke 3:19-20; 9:7-9). As background, King Herod of Galilee had married Herodias, his brother's wife. Not one to hold back, St John the Baptist told him … Continue reading The Beheading of St John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-29)
During the Last Supper, Christ gave his disciples a practical lesson on humility and a new commandment - to love one another. These extra details are recorded only in St John’s gospel. Just before the meal, a quarrel broke out among the disciples about who was the greatest. So Christ decided to address the issue … Continue reading Christ washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-38)
Simon of Cyrene is possibly one of the most widely pictured characters in Christian art. This is because an image of him helping Christ to carry the cross is to be found in practically every Catholic church across the globe. Usually around the walls, you’ll find images of the fourteen ‘Stations of the Cross’ – … Continue reading Simon of Cyrene helps Christ (Mark 15:21-22)
The Song of Moses, also called ‘the Song of the Sea’, is a thanksgiving hymn that celebrates the miracle of the Red Sea and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It also looks forward to the founding of the Temple of Jerusalem. Pope Francis explains: “The book of Exodus tells us about Moses and … Continue reading The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-22)
The story of how the Queen of Sheba made a state visit to King Solomon of Israel is found in the books of First Kings and Second Chronicles (1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12). The Bible doesn’t tell us the name of the Queen of Sheba, but it does describe her as a woman who … Continue reading The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13)
