Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Mosaic
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)
St Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Christ and is believed to be the author of one of the letters in the New Testament (Luke 1:13-16; Acts 1:14; Jude 1:1). St Jude is also referred to in two of the gospels as ‘Thaddaeus’ (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18). This is not in itself … Continue reading St Jude the Apostle (Jude 1:1-2)
On the night he was betrayed, Christ gathered his twelve apostles together for a evening meal that we know as the ‘Last Supper’. This meal was a celebration of the Jewish Passover, but it was also much more than that. St Luke tells us that once the group was gathered in the upper room of … Continue reading The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-38)
This large, intricate mosaic is found in the Chapel of the Holy Souls of Westminster Cathedral in London. It tells the story of the Three Holy Youths - Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego - in the fiery furnace. The book of Daniel says that these Jewish young men worked at the court of Nebuchadnezzar, the king … Continue reading The Three Holy Youths (Daniel 3:1-97)
This mosaic scene is found in St Paul's chapel within Westminster Cathedral. It depicts the vision that St Paul had on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus. Scripture says that St Paul (then known as 'Saul') was floored by a flash of light and heard the voice of Christ. The Latin text under the image reads 'Surge, … Continue reading The Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19)
