Stigmata (St. Francis of Assisi)

Stigmata (St. Francis of Assisi) Meaning in Catholic Tradition

Symbol Category: Saint Attribute Latin Name:
Symbol Family: saint emblem Sacrament:
Associated Saint(s): St. Francis of Assisi Design Forms: held attribute;emblem;icon detail
Associated Colors: red Related Symbols: Cross;five wounds
Symbol Variations: Stigmata 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: Stigmata signify conformity to the crucified Christ. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Francis of Assisi in Catholic art.

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

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

Bible Reference:

Liturgical Context: feast day of St. Francis of Assisi;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. Francis of Assisi.

Visual Elements: wounds

Short Description: Stigmata signify conformity to the crucified Christ.

Full Description: Stigmata signify conformity to the crucified Christ. Stigmata signify conformity to the crucified Christ. It serves as an identifying attribute for St. Francis of Assisi in Catholic art. Used in Christian iconography to identify a saint, his or her life, mission, or martyrdom.