The Blessing Hand
Christ, or a priest in his name, giving God’s blessing; the raised fingers recall the Trinity and the two natures of Christ.
At the end of every Mass the priest raises his right hand and blesses the people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The fingers. In the Latin tradition the thumb and first two fingers are raised and the last two folded: three for the Trinity, two for the divine and human natures of Christ. In Eastern icons the fingers are shaped into the letters IC XC, for Jesus Christ.
Christ. Christ the King, the Risen Christ, the Divine Mercy and the Infant Jesus of Prague all raise the right hand in blessing.
Priests and popes. St Pio and St John Paul II are shown blessing, as priests did every day of their lives.
Where you’ll see it
Hands and gestures
All symbols →
Joined Hands
Prayer and humble trust in God, the hands placed together as a promise of faithfulness.
Open Hands
Graces given freely, a welcome to all, or prayer offered to God with arms raised.
The Pointing Finger
Showing the way to God: John the Baptist pointing to Christ, the preacher pointing to heaven.
A statue with a hand raised in blessing?
Every statue is made from scratch in our studio in Mangalore.