The meaning of the Pelican

     The Pelican is a powerful Symbol of Jesus Christ and the Eucharist. It stems from an ancient legend, not a biological fact, that a mother pelican pierces her own breast to feed her young with blood, when no other food is available. This true act of self-sacrifice is likened to Jesus's Sacrifice on the Cross, where He shed His own blood for the Salvation of all of humanity. The Pelican also represents the Holy Eucharist, where we, as Catholics believe that we receive the True Body and Blood of Christ, mirroring the Pelicans nourishing blood. A true and beautiful Sacrifice instilled in each of us, when receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Like the Pelicans blood, the "Eucharist" revives "us". It brings us life. Eternal life. 

     The next time you see a picture or maybe even a real Pelican, you will look at it differently. Remembering it's self-sacrifice to its young, just the way Jesus did, in shedding "His" most precious blood for all of "His" children.