‍The Heraldry, Explained
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THE SHIELD

The Sun in Splendor

At the highest point of the shield is the sun in splendor, representing Christ, the Sun of Justice. It reminds us of the primacy of Christ in all things and of the Risen and unconquered Lord. It also beautifully recalls the Paschal character of our Premonstratensian life, expressed even in the white habit we wear.

The Agnus Dei

The Lamb of God points immediately to St. John the Baptist, Father Abbot’s patron and one of the principal patrons of our Order. There is also a very personal significance here. Father Abbot received the name John in religion in memory of his own father, who had died shortly before he entered St. Michael’s Abbey.
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THE COLORS

Red, or Gules

The red field behind the sun recalls the Blood of Christ, ardent charity, and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Blue, or Azure

The blue field below recalls the traditional heraldic color of the Premonstratensian Order.
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Between them is what heraldry calls a nebuly division, a cloud-like line suggesting a kind of transcendence between the upper portion of the shield and the elements below.

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THE INSIGNIA OF AN ABBOT

Behind the shield is the crosier with its sudarium, or veil, one of the traditional heraldic signs of an abbot.

Above it is the white galero with twelve tassels, six on each side. Ordinarily an abbot’s galero is black, but Premonstratensian abbots have long used white as a distinctive custom of our Order.
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THE FLEUR-DE-LIS

The fleur-de-lis on the crosier is one of the most familiar and ancient symbols of the Premonstratensian Order. It also recalls St. Joseph through the traditional symbolism of the lily.
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THE MOTTO

PATRIS CORDE — “With a Father’s Heart”

These words come from the title of Pope Francis’ apostolic letter on St. Joseph. They are especially fitting for an abbot, whose office is not simply one of governance, but of spiritual fatherhood: to lead, teach, encourage, correct, and care for the community entrusted to him with the heart of a father.

You can watch the rest of The Art of Heraldry series here.

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