Arrow Through Heart (St. Augustine)

Arrow Through Heart (St. Augustine) Meaning in Catholic Tradition

Symbol Category: Saint Attribute Latin Name:
Symbol Family: saint emblem Sacrament:
Associated Saint(s): St. Augustine Design Forms: held attribute;emblem;icon detail
Associated Colors: red;gold Related Symbols: Flaming heart
Symbol Variations: Arrow Through Heart Symbol Pairings: Halo;Book
Historical Period: Patristic Era;Medieval;Modern Catholic Century Geographic Origin: Universal Church
Associated Orders: Associated Devotions: saints devotion
Architectural Use: Vestment Use:
Primary Tradition: Roman Catholic;Eastern Catholic Symbol Type: Saint Symbol

Symbol Meaning: Arrow through a heart signifies his burning love for God and conversion. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Augustine in Catholic art.

Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Augustine.

Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Augustine by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.

Bible Reference:

Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Augustine;saints art

Liturgical Season: Any season

Use in Church Art: Common in icons, statues, stained glass, holy cards, and feast-day materials connected to St. Augustine.

Visual Elements: heart with arrow

Short Description: Arrow through a heart signifies his burning love for God and conversion.

Full Description: Arrow through a heart signifies his burning love for God and conversion. Arrow through a heart signifies his burning love for God and conversion. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Augustine in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.