(Photo © Scott P. Richert)
We've got another stained-glass window, so it's time for another contest! Identify as many traditional symbols of Saint Peter as you can in this stained-glass window, and then briefly explain the reason why each is identified with Saint Peter. In next week's Wordless Wednesday post, I'll acknowledge the commenter who identifies and explains the most symbols. This should be a fairly easy one, though there's at least one symbol that's not entirely obvious.
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I see several symbols, but I’ll identify just one for now…the upside-down cross on which St. Peter was crucified. He believed he was unworthy of the same death Our Lord suffered, so he asked to be crucified upside-down.
1- The key which is a symbol given to him by Christ -that I will give you the key to the Kingdom of Heaven;
2- The fish- He was a fisherman and Christ told him I will make you fisher of men;
3-The church- symbol of Christ telling him that upon this rock I will build my church;
4-Up-turned cross inicating his manner of crucifixion;
5-The sun- indicationg Christ admonition that you are the light of the world;
In addition to the above, the net in his hand to indicate that he was a fisherman for fish and became a fisherman fishing for people, this is nicely simboled by him still holding the net in his hands.
i AGREE WITH NO2 WHO HAD WHAT i WAS GOING TO WRITE i also want toadd that the net was to indicate that Peter as God’s new leader was to be the fisher of Men now. Go out into the world and be a fisherman for men (souls) for God. The circle around Peters head indicates he is a Saint now. The sandals also indicate that he was to bring nothing with him on his journey for Christ. to depend on God for all he needed and be in a hurry to get souls for Christ. His strength is also indicated in his stature. Maureen
The upside down fish is similar in symbolism to the upside down cross. This fish is also a different colour to the other two in the net – this indicates St Peter is head of the Church. I am also wondering if the 3 fishes collectively refers to The Holy Trinity, although they usually appear in a triangle. St Peter is in papal robes. The sun is symbolic of eternity and it is the ’sun of righteousness’ (Malachi 4:2). My two cents! God bless!
From my previous post, what I meant to say was, the sun being circular, represents eternity