Throughout Christian history, the Church has used art to share its stories, teach the Faith, and inspire believers.

Stained glass windows, paintings, icons, and statues were essential tools for teaching early Christians. In an era when most people couldn’t read or write, sacred art communicated the truths of the Faith and brought Bible stories to life. Even young children could learn about Christianity through these visual representations.

Learning from Sacred Art

Fast-forward to today. Catholic art remains a beautiful way to enrich our homes, inspire our families, and deepen our faith. By displaying sacred art, we keep the truths of our Faith visible in our daily lives. And with the variety of Catholic artwork now widely available, it’s easier than ever to bring these meaningful pieces into our homes.

Statues at Home

Catholic statues are more than decorations. They serve as focal points for prayer, encourage devotion, and lift our hearts toward God throughout the day. They also reflect our identity as followers of Christ.

A Source of Confusion?

The Catholic statue is one of the most recognizable and distinctive forms of Catholic art—and also one of the most misunderstood.

The use of statues in prayer and the reverence given to them have often sparked debate. Some non-Catholics view statues with skepticism, mistakenly equating veneration with idolatry. This misunderstanding stems from a misapplication of the Old Testament commandment:

"Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God."
—Leviticus 19:4

The controversy over religious images even caused disagreements within the Church in earlier centuries. Some Christians misinterpreted this commandment to mean that statues or images used in veneration were forbidden.

The Church’s Response at the Second Council of Nicaea

To clarify this, the Church formally affirmed the proper use of statues and other sacred art at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 A.D. The council declared that honoring statues of Our Lord, Our Lady, the saints, and angels is an appropriate and meaningful way to express our Faith.

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church Says

The Catechism provides clear guidance on the role of sacred images:

"In the Old Testament, God ordained or permitted the making of images that pointed symbolically toward salvation by the incarnate Word: so it was with the bronze serpent, the ark of the covenant, and the cherubim."
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2130

"Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols. Indeed, 'the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype,' and 'whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.' The honor paid to sacred images is a 'respectful veneration,' not the adoration due to God alone."
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2132

Why Bring Catholic Statues into Your Home?

Honoring and Remembering Who We Are

Think about why we keep photos of loved ones. We don’t worship these pictures—they remind us of family and friends we cherish. Similarly, statues of saints honor and preserve the memory of holy men and women who have shaped the Church’s history.

Nativity sets, for instance, are beloved by Christians at Christmas. They help us reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation without confusing the statues for idols. Likewise, Catholic statues serve as reminders of those we revere and their example of holiness.

5 Reasons to Have Catholic Statues in Your Home

1. Statues are visual reminders of faith.
   In our busy lives, statues help us refocus on God and spiritual realities.

2. Statues are tools for evangelization.
   They can spark conversations with visitors and provide opportunities to share the truths of the Catholic Faith.

3. Statues enrich prayer.
   Sacred art can evoke emotions and meanings that words cannot, helping us focus and deepen our prayer life.

4. Statues foster devotion.
   Honoring saints in our homes strengthens our relationship with these holy intercessors.

5. Statues prioritize faith in our homes.
   Catholic art visibly reflects the central role of faith in our lives, turning our homes into places of spiritual reflection.

A Visible Reminder of Heavenly Realities

We are physical beings created with senses, and Catholic worship embraces this reality. Statues remind us of the mysteries of God, offering a tangible connection to the Divine. While the statue itself is just a representation, it points us toward eternal truths and the heavenly reality we are called to share.

Do you have a favorite statue in your home that inspires you? Share how it has shaped your spiritual life!