Free stock photos of Catholic subjects.
The most common icon of Jesus holding a Bible (or more accurately, the Gospels) is the Christ Pantocrator. This icon depicts Jesus as the ruler of the world, often shown with a stern, somber expression, holding a book (the Gospels) in his left hand and making a blessing gesture with his right.
This image captures a sacred moment in an Eastern Catholic Chrismation ceremony, focusing on the priest anointing a catechumen, with the intricate golden embroidery on the priest's vestments hinting at the solemnity and tradition of the rite.
This photograph captures the solemn procession of the casket of Pope Francis through a crowd of onlookers and clergy, likely within St. Peter's Square, distinguished by the iconic colonnade and statues visible atop the Vatican architecture.
This formal photographic portrait of Pope Francis, in an ornate gilt frame and accompanied by a devotional candle, serves as a contemporary prayer station. It is an example of modern devotional imagery, particularly poignant following the recent death of the Pontiff.
This Byzantine silver spoon features a pear-shaped bowl incised with a cross and a slender handle, typical of Late Roman or Byzantine tableware and potentially liturgical implements.
This outdoor devotional statue presents the Madonna and Child atop an inscribed plinth, typical of Marian columns or roadside shrines found throughout Central Europe.
The Byzantine Catholic Great and Holy Wednesday Pre-Sanctified Liturgy is a solemn evening service (often celebrated in the morning for convenience) that combines Great Vespers with Holy Communion.
The Philippines features impressive Catholic statues. This one, of Moses holding the Ten Commandments, symbolizes a rich historical and religious heritage. This awe-inspiring sculpture draws visitors for its intricate artistry.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during a Benediction service involves displaying the consecrated Host in a monstrance for adoration. The congregation kneels and sings, and the priest incenses the monstrance. Silent prayer, structured prayers, Scripture readings, or a homily may follow.
The Rite of Matrimony, or Mystery of Crowning, is a sacred ceremony with key elements: betrothal, exchange of vows, crowning, blessing, and procession. The crowning, introduced in 1646, places crowns on the couple, symbolizing their status as “king and queen” of their new family.
The Gothic nave of the city parish church in Graz is lit up during the Advent season in the liturgical color violet, the symbol for the transition and transformation.
Commissioned by Duke Moritz of Saxony, this medal depicts the Trinity in the form of the Throne of Grace. God the Father holds the cross on which Christ has been crucified, expressing God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, with the Holy Spirit between them in the form of a dove.
One of the most revered icons in the Russian Orthodox church, Our Lady of Kazan represents the Virgin Mary as the patroness of the city of Kazan and the Holy Protectress of Russia.
This remarkable object, meant to be carried in religious processions within a great church, is an example of the high level of skill achieved by 15th-century Italian silversmiths.
This rare and beautifully preserved flask is one of the first to depict St. Sergios on horseback, surrounded by the inscription: "Blessing of the Lord of Saint Sergios." The cult of this 3rd-century saint reached its height of popularity in the 6th century, at the site of his martyrdom in Syria.
A pectoral cross or pectoral is a cross that is worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. This cross was designed with gold accents, gilt-silver, and cloisonné enamel. It features an image of Christ crucified in the center.
This statue of Archangel Michael at the Day of Judgment stands on a prostrate demon and holds a flaming sword raised in his right hand.
The Virgin is supported by cherubim and stylized clouds and supports the Christ Child in her arms. The painted decoration of the Virgin and Christ Child is original and would contribute to an impression of the royal status of the mother and child.
An ancient crucifix pendant that has been meticulously painted and enameled with gold rock crystal. It was likely used as a rosary or necklace pendant.
These three pieces, now separate, once formed part of a two-winged door in the center of an iconostasis
This armband is made up of seven inscribed medallions.
Like other medium-sized crosses with a tang, this one could have been carried in procession or affixed in a stand, or both.
These three icons form a group. In the center, Christ is represented as the Just Judge, surrounded by seraphim, archangels, and the apostles Peter and Paul. The Virgin and John the Baptist, accompanied by saints, turn toward him with their hands raised in prayer. Each panel is decorated with a...
The Corpus Christi procession is a Catholic tradition that takes place annually on the feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. The purpose is to publicly venerate and give witness to the Catholic belief in the real presence...
