--- title: Discover the Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches description: "Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur reviews the new book by Father Lawrence Lew, OP: 'Entering Heaven on Earth'." image: https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/20250212%20PMacArthur%201.png --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/discover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches#) [BOOKS](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/tag/books) # Discover the Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches Feb 12, 2025 7:00:00 AM  |  by [Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/patrice-fagnant-macarthur) ![featured image](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/20250212%20PMacArthur%201.png) *Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur reviews the new book by Father Lawrence Lew, OP: *Entering Heaven on Earth. --- ## [Entering Heaven on Earth: The Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches](https://amzn.to/407Xj3o) By Father Lawrence Lew, OP Publisher: [Our Sunday Visitor](https://osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/entering-heaven-on-earth-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches) Have you ever walked into a Catholic church and wondered what certain symbols or depictions might represent? Even those well-versed in the Catholic faith may be unsure about the iconography of certain saints or wonder why a given image is used. [Entering Heaven on Earth: The Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches](https://amzn.to/407Xj3o) by Father Lawrence Lew, OP, helps educate anyone interested in learning more about the decoration of churches — from the most modest chapels to grand basilicas. It is filled with information and stunning photographs to help readers appreciate the beauty and meaning of Catholic churches.    ![Entering Heaven on Earth](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Entering%20Heaven%20on%20Earth.jpg?width=570&height=648&name=Entering%20Heaven%20on%20Earth.jpg)   ## Church Architecture  Father Lew begins by discussing the physical architecture of the church building. > The church building, and all the artifacts and symbols within it, are meant to point to the abiding presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us. (13)   Domes, bell towers, transepts, doors, baptismal fonts, confessionals, altars, tabernacles, and more are discussed in detail.     ## Symbols and Decorative Emblems  > Church buildings, with all their symbolic art, must be understood in relation to the liturgy, because their symbolic sense is derived from it. (78)   Father Lew explains what various fruits, flowers, and animals represent. He also discusses non-living symbols, such as anchors, crosses, shells, ships, and more.     ## Depictions of the Bible  Much of the art in churches, including stained-glass windows, often depicts scenes from Scripture. This was often referred to as the “Bible of the Poor” because even those who were illiterate could learn the Bible stories from these images. Father Lew discusses how God, angels, and various scenes are often portrayed.      ## The Communion of Saints  The Blessed Mother, apostles, evangelists, and various other saints are often represented in churches, both in images and in statues. > It is fitting and good to have images of the saints in our churches, and also depictions of scenes from their lives, to inspire us by their virtue and their good works. (17)   Certain saints are often represented by particular clothing, objects, plants, and images. Father Lew offers helpful insights into how to determine what saint is depicted. Learning who these saints are can inspire viewers to learn more about their lives and Catholic witness.    ## A Valuable Educational Resource  [Entering Heaven on Earth: The Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches](https://amzn.to/407Xj3o) is a wonderful resource to have to appreciate the design of your local churches as well as unfamiliar ones you may visit while traveling. It could be used as a component of a high school religious education class as part of a homeschool program or within a church setting. It is a great addition to any Catholic home, school, or parish library.     ![null](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20250212%20PMacArtthur%20BOOK.png?width=1080&height=1350&name=20250212%20PMacArtthur%20BOOK.png)   Ask for *Entering Heaven on Earth* at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from [**Amazon.com**](https://amzn.to/407Xj3o) or the publisher, **[Our Sunday Visitor](https://osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/entering-heaven-on-earth-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches).**   Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles. --- Copyright 2025 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur Images: Canva This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which provide a small compensation to the author of this piece when purchases are made through the links, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our Catholic Mom writers in this way. ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fdiscover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fdiscover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fdiscover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Discover%20the%20Signs%2C%20Symbols%2C%20and%20Saints%20of%20Catholic%20Churches) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fdiscover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fdiscover-the-signs-symbols-and-saints-of-catholic-churches%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Patrice%20Fagnant-MacArthur%202024.jpg) ### [Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/patrice-fagnant-macarthur) Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur has a master’s degree in applied theology and is the author of The Power of Forgiveness, Our Lady of La Salette: A Mother Weeps for Her Children, and The Life and Lessons of St. Zelie Martin. A mother of three, she is the editor of [TodaysCatholicHomeschooling.com](http://TodaysCatholicHomeschooling.com) as well as a [freelance writer and editor](http://Pfmacarthur.com). ## Related Blog Articles [ Introduce Children to Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/introduce-children-to-sts.-louis-and-zélie-martin) [ Increase Your Love of the Eucharist with Saint Carlo Acutis Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/increase-your-love-of-the-eucharist-with-saint-carlo-acutis) [ A Woman's Stations of the Cross Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/03/07/a-womans-stations-of-the-cross) ## Comments ## Donate now [![Support Catholic Mom](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545) [![CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) ##### Subscribe to Catholic Momcast on iTunes or Spotify [![itunes-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/itunes-logo-black.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357)[![spotify-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/spotify-logo-black.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8?si=hqaQJSxDQgq7S1hxCwsoxQ) ##### CatholicMom on Social Networks [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) ##### About Catholic Mom [Who We Are](https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us) [Contact Us](https://www.catholicmom.com/contact) [Support CatholicMom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/support-us)   ##### Associated Links [Holy Cross Family Ministries](https://www.hcfm.org/) [Family Rosary](https://www.familyrosary.org/) [Family Theater Productions](https://www.familytheater.org/) [Congregation of the Holy Cross](https://www.holycrossusa.org/) [Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.](https://www.fatherpeyton.org/) [The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life](https://www.peytonfamilyinstitute.org/) ### **Stay connected!** Don’t miss a thing! 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