Statues and Prayer: According to 5 Saints
Far from being mere decoration, statues play a vital role in lifting the mind and heart to God. The wisdom of the saints themselves reminds us why these visible signs matter.
1. St. John Damascene – Defender of holy images during the iconoclast controversy of the 8th century, he explained:
"The honor given to the image passes to the prototype. He who venerates an image venerates the person represented in it."
His words remind us that statues are not idols, but symbols that direct our devotion to God and His saints.
2. St. Teresa of Ávila – The Carmelite Doctor of the Church found strength in sacred images for prayer:
"I have always been very fond of pictures. They are a great help when one is tired and not able to concentrate. We ought to use them, since they stimulate devotion."
For Teresa, statues and images were like ladders to heaven, aiding contemplation.
3. St. Alphonsus Liguori – The great moral theologian highlighted their power in nurturing piety:
"Pictures and images are of great use in moving us to love and to practice virtue."
For him, sacred statues were not distractions, but catalysts of love for God.
4. St. Francis de Sales – Known for his gentle spiritual guidance, he noted how visible reminders stir devotion:
"Representations of the mysteries of our Lord’s life, and of the saints, are very useful, for they remind us of them, and revive our devotion."
Statues, then, serve as memory anchors, keeping the truths of faith present before our eyes.
5. St. John Paul II – A modern witness to the enduring value of sacred images:
"Sacred art is true and beautiful when it evokes and glorifies, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God."
He reaffirmed that images and statues are not ends in themselves, but means to glorify God and draw the faithful into prayer.
Praying before statues is not worship of stone or wood, but a way of focusing our hearts on Christ and the saints who point us to Him. The saints throughout history recognised that images and statues kindle devotion, refresh tired minds, and bring the mysteries of faith closer to our daily lives. Just as a photograph of a loved one stirs affection, so too statues stir love for the divine.
As Catholics, when we kneel before a statue of Mary or a beloved saint, we are not adoring the material object, but letting our hearts be lifted to heaven, joining the communion of saints in prayer.