The crucifix is a cross with the figure of the body of Jesus Christ attached to it.

This is a very
common Catholic symbol that is often placed on or above the altar where the Eucharist is
celebrated. A crucifix often has the letters INRI written across the top. These letters are short for
a Latin phrase which translates as "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." These are the words in
which Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, ordered to be written over the cross on
which Jesus Christ was crucified. A crucifix is a symbol of sacrifice.

The most famous and widespread Christian symbol is

the cross. It is found wherever there is a Christian
presence. In Roman times, the cross was seen as an
instrument of torture and public humilation. Criminals
were put to death on crosses. For Christians, however,
the cross became a symbol not only of Jesus' death but
also of his resurrection.

The Sacred Heart is a

symbol of the love of Jesus for all of humanity. The heart is a symbol of
love. When depicted as the Sacred Heart, it is shown as pierced with a
cross and thorns twisted around it. This shows the depth of Jesus' love.
He was prepared to suffer and die for all people. His love is eternal.

One of the oldest Christian symbols is

the fish. It was used by Christians to identify themselves and each other, often in times of
persecution. It is often found in the Roman catacombs, a secret meeting place when the
Christians were persecuted for their faith by the Romans. It is based on an acrostic of the
initial letters of the Greek words for Jesus Christ. To understand this symbol, you need to
know the meaning of the acronym. The Greek word for fish is ICHTHUS, which is also an
acronym for Jesus. (Iesous CHristos THeou Uios Soter translates as "Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Saviour.") Christ also referred to his apostles as "Fishers of Men" while the early Christian
fathers called the faithful pisculi (fish).

Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was

baptized by John the Baptist, a dove descended on him
(Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10).The dove is sometimes depicted with an olive branch in its
mouth as a symbol of peace. It also symbolizes God's grace.Do you remember how in Noah's
story, God sent a great flood and after the rain stopped, Noah sent out a dove to search for dry
land? It returned carrying an olive branch from the Mount
of Olives, a symbol of God's forgiveness.

Crossed keys are a symbol of the Pope's authority. This is because Christ said to St. Peter
that he would give him the key to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19). St. Peter was the first
pope and those who succeed him share in the power Jesus gave him.

One of the most important symbols of Christ is the Lamb. Christ as the Lamb of God is
mentioned in John 1:35-36 and Revelation 5:6-14 and in the words of the Mass. The
whiteness of the Lamb symbolises innocence and purity. Lambs are often associated with
sacrifice in the Old Testament. Christ, the sacrificial lamb, died for the sins of humanity.