Image of a Saint with a Skull



Dear Catholic Exchange:

I work for a Catholic, NFP-only obstetrician in Missouri. The practice was started on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and St. Gerard is our patron whose constant intercession we implore on behalf of our expectant mothers.

We have a picture of St. Gerard Mejella, given to us by a patient, hanging in our office. My question: what is the meaning of the skull shown in the picture with the saint? I have seen this in other pictures of saints as well.

Thanks for your help.

Vicki

Dear Vicki,

Peace in Christ! Thank you for your question about the depiction of St. Gerard Majella with a skull.

In religious art, the skull frequently serves as a reminder of mortality and the imminence of death. Many saints are depicted praying before a crucifix and a skull, illustrating mindfulness of the brevity of life and their final judgment before God. When the skull appears below the cross, it is a reference to the tradition which states that Christ was crucified above the spot where Adam lay buried. Therefore, the skull sometimes symbolizes Adam’s skull and Christ’s triumph over death brought about by the Fall. The Spanish frequently use this imagery of the skull below the cross in their art. According to tradition, St. Gerard kept a skull and cross bones on his desk to remind himself that his life on earth was not long, and that he would soon face judgment before God.

United in the Faith,



Julia Zahra

Information Specialist

Catholics United for the Faith

827 North Fourth Street

Steubenville, OH 43952

800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)


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