sculptures and statues

The sacred heart of Jesus

* The heaert of Jesus is surrounded by thorns with a flame burning on top of it. Based on the vission of St Margaret Mary in C17th.
* The t^^hrons refer to the Passion of Christ and the fire to Christs eternal love.^^
* Statues of Jesus express ^^belief in him as the incarnation of the Son of God.^^

The statue of the Virgin Mary

* Pieta - Mary holding Jesus after he died on the cross
* Madonna and Child - Mary holding infant Jesus.
* Some statues of Mary are based on visions peopple have had of her.
* Express belief in ^^the immaculate conception , blessed virgin and Theotokos.^^

Statues of Saints

* Statues of Saints are often found ^^alongside votive candles and express the belief in intercession.^^

Michelangelos pieta

* Found in ^^St Peters Basilica in Vatican City^^
* The difference in size between Mary and Jesus reminds us that Mary is Jesus mother.
* Mary is not directly touching Jesus ; ^^expresses how Jesus body is sacred.^^
* The shadow created by the garment next to Jesus represents ^^Mary as the Theotokos.^^
* The stillness on Marys face shows ^^she has accepted her sons sacrifice.^^

Bronze statue of St Peter

* ^^Found in St Peters Basilica , Vatican City^^
* This statue expresses the ^^belief in apostolic succession ; the Pope is a successor of St Peter.^^


* St Peter is holding the keys to Heaven as Jesus promised ^^“ I will give you the keys to heaven “ ( Matthews Gospel )^^
* ^^Pilgrims often touch or kiss the foot of St Peter as a mark of devotion and respect.^^

SOWAS for sculptures and statues

* Catechism : Artwork expresses that human creativity is a reflection of the gifts God has given to us : ^^“ Created in the image of God , man also expresses the truth of his relationship with God the Creator by the beauty of his artistic works”^^

Divergent ways art may be used in church and other settings

* Statues can also be used for ^^private prayer and devotion in a Catholic home.^^
* They can be used for ^^evangallism and missionary work^^
* Some Protestants like ^^Quakers believe that the use of statues is a distraction from worshipping and encourages idolatry.^^

Why youo dont beed statues and sculptures

* ^^You can pray to God without needing statues.^^
* Protestants believe it is i^^dolatry or mariolatry^^