Dedication

Churches are named for a variety of figures, concepts, and events.

The generalized term for the naming of Catholic churches is "dedication". When a Catholic church is named, it is often said to be "dedicated" to a particular saint, event in the life of Christ, aspect of Mary, or a theological concept. Here are some aspects of this:

Patron Saint: Many Catholic churches are dedicated to a patron saint, meaning the church takes that saint as its special protector or advocate.
Feast Days: The dedication might relate to a significant feast day in the liturgical calendar, like the Assumption or the Annunciation for churches dedicated to Mary.
Mysteries or Events: Some are dedicated to particular events or mysteries in Christian theology, like the Resurrection, the Transfiguration, or the Sacred Heart.
Titles of Mary: In the case of Mary, there are numerous titles under which she is venerated, leading to names like "Our Lady of Guadalupe" or "Immaculate Conception".
Sacraments or Virtues: Less commonly, churches might be dedicated to sacraments (like the Eucharist) or virtues (like Divine Mercy).

The act of dedication involves a special liturgical rite where the church is formally consecrated for sacred use, often involving relics of the saint to whom the church is dedicated being placed within the altar. This practice underscores the communion of saints, the importance of intercession, and the sacred history that the church building represents in Catholic tradition.

Saints

Many churches are named after saints as holy individuals who have lived exemplary lives or died as martyrs. Examples include:

St. Peter's Basilica (after Saint Peter, one of Jesus's apostles)
St. Paul's Cathedral (after Saint Paul the Apostle)
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (Our Lady, referring to Mary)
- Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major)

Angels

Examples

St. Michael's Church (after the Archangel Michael)

Jesus Christ

Some churches directly reference Jesus or events in his life:

Church of the Nativity (referencing the birth of Jesus)
Church of the Holy Sepulchre (believed to be the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial)

Trinity

Elements of Christian theology like the Trinity might be referenced:

Holy Trinity Church

Biblical events or places

Example:

Church of the Ascension