Blessed are the poor in spirit; the reign of God is theirs.

Poverty in spirit is represented by a dove shedding its feathers, i.e., something essential to its livelihood. The nest of thorns expresses the pains and difficulties of a life in abject poverty, but the rays from above give hope for an eternal reward.

Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.

Meekness and lowliness are represented by the lamb; the land is symbolized by the branches.

Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be consoled.

Mourning and sorrowing are represented by a heart pierced by a sword. Consolation is expressed by fresh vegetation.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.

The hand reaching out for the scale of Christian Justice (holiness) and the rays from above symbolize the certainty that this kind of hunger and thirst will be fulfilled abundantly in heaven.

Blessed are those who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.

The two open and downward hands represent the mercy and generosity of God toward those who show mercy and generosity towards their fellow men.

Blessed are the pure of heart; they shall see God.

A heart surrounded by lillies symbolizes Christian purity and the rays from above give a hint to its reward: seeing God face to face.

Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God.

The olive branch over the sword and lance clearly symbolizes the role of the peacemaker.

Blessed are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign
of God is theirs.