Joined Hands
Prayer and humble trust in God, the hands placed together as a promise of faithfulness.
Palms pressed together, fingers pointing up: the way children are first taught to pray.
A promise. In the Middle Ages a man swore loyalty to his lord by placing his joined hands between his lord’s hands. At ordination a new priest still places his joined hands in the bishop’s hands and promises him obedience.
Our Lady. At Lourdes, Our Lady joined her hands and raised her eyes to heaven when she said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Statues of Lourdes and Fatima show her so.
Angels and saints. Angels kneel with joined hands before the tabernacle. Saints such as St John Vianney are shown with hands joined, at prayer.
Where you’ll see it
Hands and gestures
All symbols →
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.
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 hands joined in prayer?
Every statue is made from scratch in our studio in Mangalore.