Hey there,
I’m pretty sure you know what that means.
And this: 
We use emojis like this all the time in our text messages, social media posts, and our emails.
These symbols express a thought quickly and easily.
There are lots of other places where we see and use symbols.
Like on road signs … outside doors to tell us what a room is for … and in advertising.
Symbols are a type of visual language that doesn’t rely on a specific spoken language to understand.
Merriam-Webster defines a symbol as:
Something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance.
Symbols really come in handy when you’re in a foreign country or are otherwise trying to speak to someone who doesn’t speak your language. That’s usually when a lot of hand signals start to get thrown around.
Emojis may be relatively new, but symbols are not.
The oldest symbols are found in the caves of Africa, dating back more than 50,000 years!
It’s no wonder Catholicism is chock full of symbols. It seems they are everywhere you look.
In stained glass windows, above the crucifix, on the altar, on candles, on the priest’s vestments, on the missals, etc. etc. etc.
But do you know what they all mean?
The Lord speaks to us through these symbols, so we should make sure we understand what He is saying.
This week’s issue of Genuflect looks at some of the symbols of Catholicism that we might take for granted … or need a refresher on. We look at their meaning, and how they originated. We also look at what Sacramentals are … and a former symbol that is starting to make a comeback.
I can tell you I learned a thing or two.
that you do too!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. If you need help with emojis, check out this site.
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Catholic Symbolism
Catholicism is filled with symbolism. It’s everywhere, both visual and verbal. You can see symbolism in the construction of cathedrals, in the Mass itself, in the art, in vestments … it’s everywhere. Here’s a nice overview of what to look for and what they mean.
Symbolism in Catholicism | Patheos
22 Catholic Symbols
Catholic symbols provide an everyday reminder of our faith and help us to grow closer to God. Here are 22 Catholic symbols and their meanings. How many of these do you know?
22 Catholic Symbols, Catholic Church Symbols, And Their Meaning | Catholic Business Directory
Why Use Candles at Mass?
Our churches are illuminated by daylight and electricity. So why does the Catholic Church require the use of candles? Philip Kosloki explains the symbolism and how candles can have a spiritual impact on our souls.
Why do Catholics Use Candles at Mass? | Aleteia
How to Use Holy Water
We cross ourselves with Holy Water when we enter and leave a church. But we tend to take it for granted. Here’s what holy water symbolizes, why we should incorporate into our everyday life, and 8 ways to do so.
8 Ways to Use Holy Water | The Catholic Company
The Symbolism of Incense
The use of incense goes way back in time and its use can be traced from secular uses into religious applications. Father Pat McCloskey shares scriptural references for the use of incense and its meaning in our present day Catholic rituals.
The Symbolism of Incense | Franciscan Media
Liturgical Colors And Their Meaning
Every day of the year the Catholic Church defines the liturgical color. If you pay attention, you’ll see the color in the vestments the priest and deacon wears. You may see it adoring the church. You may even see parishioners wearing the color to Mass. Carolyn Ferguson breaks down the mention of the colors in the Bible, the meaning behind the colors, and when they are used.
Liturgical Colors: a YCW Explainer | The Young Catholic Woman
Wearing Religious Medals
Wearing religious medals is an ancient tradition in the Catholic Church. Archeologists have found religious medals from the second century. Here’s how the tradition started, what they mean, and how NOT to use them.
What is The Origin of Wearing Religious Medals? | Catholic Straight Answers
Brown Scapular
Legend has it that on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared in a vision to Saint Simon Stock and gave him the brown scapular, along with an explanation of what it symbolizes. Here’s what you need to know about wearing the Brown Scapular.
Why Wear a Scapular? | Simply Catholic
Catholic Heraldry
Genuflect paints the colorful history of ecclesiastical heraldry. We look at what it is; its guiding principles; the meaning behind some of the symbols and colors; coats of arms of Pope Francis, other members of the Holy See, and basilicas around the world; the Archbishop responsible for modern-day ecclesiastical heraldry; and a US priest who’s getting in on the heraldry fun.
Heraldry in The Catholic Church Then And Now | Genuflect
Chapel Veils Are Coming Back
I remember wearing a veil to Mass as a child until … we just stopped. I began wearing one as part of a Lenten devotion years ago and now … I don’t want to stop. I’ve noticed more women and even some young girls in Mass wearing a veil. Apparently my parish is not the only one. Here’s an overview of the roots of veiling and why it “stopped.” If you’ve thought about wearing a veil, I highly recommend it!
Fashion Trend Alert: Chapel Veils Are Back! | Pray Tell Blog
The Role of Sacramentals
Crucifixes, rosaries, scapulars, miraculous medals are a few examples of sacramentals. Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio explains that it’s not the object itself that makes it a sacramental, but the ceremonial blessing. Here’s an in-depth look at the historical background, biblical origins, and efficacy and purpose of sacramentals.
Sacramentals: Their Role in Catholic Sacramental Life | Crossroads Initiative
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