The crossed keys represents Christ's gift of keys to the kingdom of heaven to St. Peter. St. Peter is a leader among the Apostles.

The crossed fish represents the shape of the cross upon which St. Andrew suffered martyrdom for Christ.

The shells symbolize the missionary spirit of St. James, the first Apostle to be martyred for Christ.

The snake in the cup references the story that St. John once drank from a poisoned chalice and lived, a miraculous achievement.

The symbol of the cross and two loaves reflects St. Philip's concern before Jesus fed the multitudes.

The knives symbolize how St. Bartholomew was flayed alive for following Christ.

The carpenter's square references St. Thomas building a church with his own hands while the spear suggests his martyrdom.

The three money bags refer to St. Matthew's original occupation as a tax collector.

The saw is the instrument used to martyr St. James.

The ship symbolizes the missionary journeys St. Jude undertook to spread the good news of the gospel.

The fish on the hook represents St. Simon the Zealot becoming a great fisher of men by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thirty pieces of silver is the symbol of Judas' betrayal of Christ. The open Bible and double bladed ax symbolizes St. Matthias who replaced Judas.