"The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans
is rooted in an ancient legend which preceded Christianity. The legend
was that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself,
striking her breast with the beak to feed her young with her blood
to prevent starvation. Another version of the legend was that the
mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death,
but in turn lost her own life.
Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adapted
it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus
our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the atonement
He made through His passion and death. We were dead to sin and have
found new life through the Blood of Christ. Moreover, Jesus continues
to feed us with His body and blood in the holy Eucharist. ...
Therefore, the
image of the pelican is a strong reminder of our Lord,
who suffered and died for us to give us eternal life and who nourishes
us on our pilgrim way with the Holy Eucharist. May that image move
us to show the same charity and self-giving love toward all."
-Saunders, Rev. William. "The Symbolism of the Pelican."
Arlington Catholic Herald.Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52883.0
