3. Can you identify particular symbols unique to this religious community and determine their meaning?

What do you think gives them their power and authority?

The crucifix is a cross with the figure of the body of

Jesus Christ attached to it. This is a very common
Catholic symbol that is often placed on or above the
altar where the Eucharist is celebrated.

Water is utilized to rehydrate and keep life going. In

Catholic life, it has a similar significance. It is a crucial
part of Baptism, which necessitates both the right
words and the pouring of water. Water that has been
blessed and distributed for religious purposes is
known as holy water. It's a sacramental, or a symbol,
that the church has approved for its members'
edification. It's very good at keeping you from
succumbing to temptation. Every Catholic church has a
holy water font at the entryway.

At the start of Lent, ashes are used as a symbol of

repentance and a desire to change one's life. Its roots
can be
found in the Old Testament's sackcloth and ashes penance,
as shown in places like Jonah. These ashes are designed to
symbolize contrition rather than a method to flaunt one's
Catholicism or penance. They are only beneficial on the
inside if they motivate you to do more penance.

As a reminder of Jesus' agony and humiliation, this is

sometimes shown in art or churches. A crown of thorns was
placed on his head. First and foremost, because the thorns penetrated his head and drew blood, this
would have been excruciatingly painful. It was,
nevertheless, extremely humiliating. Even though Jesus is
the king and creator of the world, His creatures and
subjects mock Him by placing a painful crown on His head
and mocking His claim to be a king.
 A santo (English:'saint') is a work of religious art
made up of wooden or ivory statues depicting
various saints, angels, or Marian titles, or one of
the Holy Trinity's personages, found in Spain and
countries that were colonies of the Kingdom of
Spain.

AUTHORITY

* The Catholic Church's magisterium is the authority or office of the church to deliver true
interpretations of God's Word, whether in written form or in the shape of Tradition. The task of
interpretation is placed only in the Pope and bishops, according to the Catholic Church's Catechism of
1992, notwithstanding the concept's complicated history.

*Most Catholics believe the Bible's authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write God's word, hence
they accept its authority. The Ten Commandments are found in the Bible. Jesus' life, death, resurrection,
and ascension are also revealed in the Bible.

POWER

*Papal supremacy is the Roman Catholic Church's concept that the pope possesses full, supreme, and
universal sovereignty over the entire church because of his vocation as Vicar of Christ and pastor of the
entire Christian Church.

*Economic domination helped the church consolidate its power. During a portion of their working week,
peasants were required to labour for the church for free. Furthermore, everyone, rich or poor, was
required to tithe ten percent of their income to the church, which was exempt from taxation.