Seminary Seal

fThe shield, in blue, black and white, is divided into three fields representing the Holy Trinity. The black Tau Cross that divides the shield is called the Cross of Prophecy or the Advent Cross, and is an ancient symbol for the renewal of the church and personal conversion.  The Tau Cross also reminds us that the way of the disciple requires a daily shouldering of the Cross of Christ.

The top field is an expression of gratitude for St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary on whose patrimony our seminary stands today. The seal of that seminary included an open book to symbolize the Scriptures on which read the word evangelizare. To this we have added noviter, Latin for anew to indicate the new evangelization called for by Blessed Pope John Paul II, after whom the grounds of the seminary are named.

The bottom left field features the fleur-de-lis, the stylized lily representing Our Lady and her purity, particularly in the mystery of the Annunciation of the Word made Flesh, the event central to Advent. The Archangel Gabriel, the messenger of the advent of the Savior, is often pictured holding a lily at the Annunciation. The fleur-de-lis is also a symbol of France and so also indicates our patron, Saint John Marie Vianney.  The fleur is on a blue background of Our Lady, to whose intercession the work of the seminary in entrusted.

The bottom right field holds a columbine, the state flower of Colorado, whose name comes from columba, the Latin word for dove.  The columbine thus calls to mind the Holy Spirit, Who is the principal agent of priestly formation.

The banner bears Our Lady’s fiat below the shield, her response to the announcement by Gabriel of her place in the saving plan of God. The words of Mary suggest a new announcement of the Gospel in our day and the willingness of the members of the seminary to submit to God’s will for them in imitation of Mary.

The circle enclosing the shield and banner contains the name of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary.