Dove (St. Gregory the Great) Meaning in Catholic Tradition
| Symbol Category: | Saint Attribute | Latin Name: | |
| Symbol Family: | saint emblem | Sacrament: | |
| Associated Saint(s): | St. Gregory the Great | Design Forms: | held attribute;emblem;icon detail |
| Associated Colors: | white;gold | Related Symbols: | Book;papal tiara |
| Symbol Variations: | Dove | 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: Dove signifies inspiration of the Holy Spirit in teaching. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Gregory the Great in Catholic art.
Theological Significance: As a saintly attribute, this symbol points to holiness, witness, and the particular vocation embodied by St. Gregory the Great.
Historical Origin: Developed in Christian iconography to identify St. Gregory the Great by martyrdom, vocation, miracle, or distinctive devotion.
Bible Reference:
Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Gregory the Great;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. Gregory the Great.
Visual Elements: dove
Short Description: Dove signifies inspiration of the Holy Spirit in teaching.
Full Description: Dove signifies inspiration of the Holy Spirit in teaching. Dove signifies inspiration of the Holy Spirit in teaching. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Gregory the Great in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.
