“Life with Christ is a Wonderful Adventure” – St. John Paul the Great

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Triumphal Arches

Triumphal Arches, popularized by the Ancient Romans, but built in modern times as well, originated as ways to celebrate great victories and great military leaders. A classic example is the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

With the rise of Christianity and the understanding that the greatest victory is Christ’s victory over sin and death, triumphal arches of a very different sort began to be incorporated into Churches.

Church Triumphal Arch Gallery:

St. Paul Outside the Walls – Rome
The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe – Marytown, Illinois
Basilica of the Sacred Heart – Notre Dame, Indiana
St. Pius X – Granger, Indiana
St. Francis Cathedral – Santa Fe, New Mexico
St. Charles – Hartland, Wisconsin

Further Reading:

Is there actually an “Arc de Triomphe” in your church?

Hello,

Welcome to Small Catholic

I’m fascinated by contrasts and have long enjoyed the concept of smallness, perhaps especially in the context of the wonder that comes from gazing up into the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or enjoying the vastness of a starry sky.

I’m a Catholic, deacon-candidate-wife, mom/mom-in-law to 7; retired homeschool mom & parish DRE; ADHD, Celiac, HSP; I love learning and writing.

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