Symbolism of Saint Joseph with Jesus in De La Salle's Seal
De La Salle's use of the seal, Signum fidei, symbolizes faith with a star on a blue shield. The objects carried by Saint Joseph with Jesus signify guidance, protection, and unity. The imagery reflects the importance of faith and divine guidance in the context of the Institute. De La Salle's writings emphasize the spiritual perspective and devotion to God in all actions. The depiction of Saint Joseph and Jesus in humble surroundings highlights the deeper significance of their presence.
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The original seal of the Institute used by De La Salle in letters of obedience to Brothers in 1707, 1708 and 1709. De La Salle also used the words Live Jesus or Forever to end letters. What do you think De La Salle intends by the symbolism of Saint Joseph with Jesus? What objects are being carried? What do they signify?
There seems to have been some confusion about the use of the seal Signum fidei until the following decision: On May 5th1751, the General Chapter intervened: It seems that a number of Brothers Director have made their own stamp similar to the Institute s seal which needs to be restricted to the use of the Brother Superior. It has therefore been prescribed unanimously that the aforesaid seal will be in the future a bright star on a blue shield with the words SIGNUM FIDEI. It is henceforth forbidden for any Director to make use of anything similar.
The seal, Signum fidei,the sign of faith, has the same meaning as the star with five points and rays, which is,, a symbol of faith, like the star which guided the Magi. Institute Bulletin for July-October 1957, pp.593-598. The circular letter of 6th January 1952 presented the seal with the addition of the words Indivisa manent [May they remain united] added to Signum fidei. The Chapter of 1956 requested that the traditional shield be retained with the words Signum fidei. The title, Indivisa manent, was indeed from the shield of Louis de La Salle, Equerry to Louis XIV, registered on 28th June 1697, but this has no connection with the father of our Founder who died 25 years previously.
De La Salle writes to us: The spirit of faith should induce us to look on everything with the eyes of faith, to do everything in view of God, always entering into these sentiments of Job: The Lord gave all to me; the Lord has taken all from me and nothing is happening to me but what pleases the Lord.
The Magi entered the stable and found a little Child wrapped in poor swaddling clothes in the company of his mother. Mary. Are these the marks of a king. asks Saint Bernard. Where is his throne? Where is his palace, his throne, his court? The stable is his palace, the crib serves as his throne, his court is the company of the Most Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph. Meditation for the Feast of the Kings
They prostrate themselves before him, says the Gospel. They honour him as their King and adore him as their God. Behold the faith that profoundly filled their spirit and caused them to respond in this way.
Recognise Jesus beneath the rags of the poor children who you have to instruct. Adore him in them. Love poverty and honour the poor after the example of the Magi, for poverty should be dear to you who are responsible for the instruction of the poor. May faith lead you to do this with affection and zeal because these children are the members of Jesus Christ. In this way this divine Saviour will be pleased with you and you will always find him, because he always loved the poor and poverty. Meditation for the Feast of the Kings
