The Apostles’ Shields
The Apostles Shields appear in two places: the tympanum above the main entrance to the church and in the chancel in the sanctuary.
The same designs are used for both.
Peter
Two large keys crossed:
- the keys to heaven given by Jesus to Peter, a symbolic
way of showing that Peter would be the leader of the
Christ’s church.
- keys are crossed - Simon Peter asked to be crucified in a
different position than Jesus, saying he was not worthy to
be crucified the same way.
James the Greater
Three scallop shells (sometimes also shown is a pilgrim’s bag):
- pilgrimage and missionary zeal.
- James’ optimism he and John would follow in the
footsteps of Christ and drink of the same cup.
- Travel to Spain to preach the Gospel. Spain’s coast
covered with millions of scallop shells.
- James carried a scallop shell with him in order to scoop
and drink water.
John
Serpent and sword:
- the power of the Sword of the Spirit over sin.
Andrew
Anchor and a saltire cross (X-shaped):
- his journeys and his death on a diagonal Greek cross.
Phillip
Basket and a Tau cross:
- Basket: Jesus feeding the multitude
- Tau cross, Phillip’s death after missionary labors in
Galatia and Phrygia.
Bartholomew (Nathaniel)
Three flaying knives:
- he was flayed and then crucified.
Thomas
Carpenter’s square and spear:
- Carpenter’s square - his trade.
- Spear - his death
Matthew
Three purses (and sometimes Roman fasces is shown):
- occupation as a tax collector and representative of the
Roman empire.
James the Less
Saw:
- an instrument of his martyrdom
Jude
Carpenter’s square and boat-hook:
- trade as a fisherman and his missionary journeys.
Simon (the Zealot)
Fish impaled on a boat-hook:
- his missionary travels with St. Jude
- his greatness as a fisher of people through the Gospel.
Paul
Open Bible, bearing the words Spiritus Gladius meaning "Sword of the Spirit”
- according to Ephesians 6:10-18 the sword of the Spirit (Spiritus Gladius) is the Word of God.