Peter

The apostle Simon Peter was among the first disciples chosen by Jesus and the first to recognize Jesus as Messiah. The crossed keys on his shield represent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter preached in many places, eventually coming to Rome, and it is believed he formed the first Christian community there. He was arrested and imprisoned, sentenced to die. He requested crucifixion head down, for he did not feel himself worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord had died.

Andrew

The apostle Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, is represented by a great boat hook. This recalls his original occupation as a fisherman and his call by Jesus to become a "fisher of people." The boat hook is superimposed over a cross saltire, or X shaped cross, because tradition tells us he was crucified on such a cross, feeling unworthy to meet death on a cross shaped as the one upon which Jesus hung. This cross is a symbol of humility and suffering.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew, perhaps the surname of Nathanael, is symbolized by a book of scripture centered with a Celtic cross, a cross entwined with a circle representing eternal life. The book of scripture symbolizes his travels preaching and teaching. The knife reminds us of his martyrdom, as legend tells us he was flayed alive on one of his missionary journeys by heathens.

Thomas

Thomas, a doubter by nature, became convinced of Jesus' resurrection. His doubt led to lifelong faithfulness as a fearless evangelist. The carpenter's square on his shield symbolizes the churches he built while on missionary journeys. The spear represents his martyrdom by jealous nonbelievers. The leather girdle was worn over the other clothing and served as a protection. The girdle was used by Christ to symbolize preparation for any service that God might require (Luke 12:35).

John

John, son of Zebedee and brother of the apostle James, is called the disciple whom Jesus loved. The eagle wing soaring upward from the chalice symbolizes his divine inspiration for the writings attributed to him: the Gospel of John, the three Epistles, and the Revelation. The seven crosses on the chalice represent the seven churches in Asia Minor mentioned in the Revelation. The chalice symbolizes the persecution that John and many other Christians suffered at the hands of Emperor Domitian, who, according to legend, ordered John to drink a cup of poisoned wine. In spite of many attempts on his life,John is said to be the only apostle who died a natural death at an advanced age.

Philip

Philip is one of the first of many to whom Jesus addressed the words, "Follow me." The cross on his shield reminds us that all Christians are under the sign of the cross and should follow Christ's command to "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). The twin loaves of bread are associated with Philip's presence at the feeding of the five thousand.

Thaddaeus

Thaddaeus, also called Jude and Labbaeus, is an apostle about which little is known. His chosen symbol is a sailboat with its mast in the shape of a cross. Tradition tells us he made many missionary journeys with Simon the Zealot.

Matthew

The apostolic symbols of Matthew, also called Levi, are three money bags and a quill. The money bags remind us of his original position as tax collector, an occupation much hated by his fellow jews, before Jesus called him into his service. As a former tax gatherer Matthew was qualified by his business knowledge to record the discourses of Jesus. Tradition holds he authored the first gospel in the New Testament, hence the quill.

James the Greater

James was the son of Zebedee and the brother of the apostle John. He is represented by three scallop shells, a symbol of pilgrimage, which reflect James' zealous missionary spirit. James is the only apostle whose martyrdom is described in the New Testament. In Acts 12:2 we are told King Herod Agrippa killed James with a sword.

James the Less

James, son of Alphaeus, is sometimes called James, the Less or Younger. The open Bible on his shield symbolizes his missionary zeal in spreading the Word of God. Legend tells us that Jjames also suffered martyrdom. His enemies, not satisfied with his death, showed their hatred by sawing his body apart.

Judas

Judas Iscariot is represented by the open money bag with spilled coins, which recalls his betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The rope reminds us that Judas hanged himself after the betrayal in desperate repentance for his awful deed. His name has become symbolic of betrayal and deceit. Therefore he has not been honored with a shield.