What are the importance of statues in the Catholic church?

Answer 1

Statues are symbols of either events or of someone who has achieved something in their lives and wish to be remembered by an effigy of that person. They are not to be worshiped as this would be idle worship which is against the law of God.

Answer 2

There is major significance. "Appearance" is secondary to the assistance to the purpose of your prayer. In the most abstract level, the statues are symbolic. As in all symbols, there is a tension set up between the illusion(the statue itself)and the "reality" (the process that is implied concerning the phase of the life of the being represented by the statue.) The Child, Jesus, in the manger, may be thought of in terms of, for instance, innocence, beginnings, promise, gifts(of "life" and therefore potential.) Praying before the Christ Child may allow your heart to open because you are considering trust and alleviating your distractions of your personal problems(Unless that is the purpose of your prayer.) There is an implied affirmation of trust. So then, joy, happiness, lightness, hope, are a few of the themes that would operate when praying, perhaps before a Kresh at Christmas. A statue of the crucifixion however, should, depending on your sensitivity, depth of faith, and present needs, bring up a realization of mortality, therefore, purging of fear of death. There is sadness, perhaps terror if you have an understanding of the horrible death resulting from this form of execution. But this sadness may be purged knowing of the resurrection following, there is anticipation of greatness and of life everlasting. As you approach a time to commune with God, you need to prepare yourself by adopting an attitude which the statuary encourages. Perhaps you in your prayer, need to request a grace from God. If your loved one has been wounded in the military, his body torn up from a bomb blast, focusing on the crucifixion is a way to accept the horrors and to perhaps prepare your soul to meet with God as you talk with Him. Conversely, if your best friend's child has just made her first Communion, focusing on the the Baby Jesus with hope and joy would be a rationale to see the statue in this way. Candles are lit as an offering of fire, a major gift for God. In ancient days the fire would be used to burn a sacrifice, now as there are transpositions of understandings, that particular need is no longer considered either necessary or proper. There are some who mortify their flesh especially at the Easter Season. The Church as a whole, frowns on these manifestations of faith. Further the flickering flame of the candle is another means of shutting out the material world of the church and the individuals moving around in it. Keeping your gaze on the candle may allow you be closer to the spirit. It is true that Catholics are not worshiping the statues themselves; the worship is for God and the statues are merely aids in focusing attention to intensify the efficacy of your prayer.

Answer 3

The Statue of Liberty gives weman and us freedom for our country!!!