Did you know that the pelican is a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ in Catholic tradition?
You can often spot the bird depicted in Catholic artwork, stained glass, murals, or mosaics.
Among the many symbols that enrich Catholic faith and art, the pelican’s story offers a captivating catechesis on the Lord’s sacrificial love.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll start finding them all over the place!
Here are some examples of pelicans in Catholic artwork:
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However, this connection was primarily built on a misunderstanding in medieval times.
A widespread ancient legend said that a mother pelican would wound her own breast to feed her young with her blood during times of famine. This gesture would save her young at the cost of her own life.
Sound familiar?
Early Christians saw a parallel between this act and Jesus' Passion. Christ gave His life and shed His own blood for our salvation.
The Eucharistic symbolism is also notable, as the pelican symbolizes Jesus feeding the faithful with His Body and Blood.
Beyond this, though, the pelican mother also embodies the charity and love of Jesus. She is a source of life, just as Jesus in the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Christians!
The Catholic_Truth Instagram account recently posted about this fascinating relationship. They elaborated on the pelican legend, saying,
“In another version, if her chicks lie dead in the nest, she opens her side, sprinkles them with her lifeblood, and brings them back to life, at the cost of her own.
She dies... so they may live.”
Regardless of the origin or the accuracy of the story, the pelican remains one of the Church’s symbols of the sacrificial love of God.
This analogy was also referenced in song form. Saint Thomas Aquinas included this line in his hymn, Adoro Te Devote:
“O loving Pelican! O Jesu, Lord! Unclean I am, but cleanse me in Thy Blood; Of which a single drop, for sinners spilt, Is ransom for a world's entire guilt.”
Next time you see a pelican–whether in Christian artwork or on your summer vacation–reflect on the depth of Christ’s love for you and His Church.