Inside the top circle,
the six-pointed star is
Symbol of God, the Creator. It is made of two interwoven triangles, and is
used to call attention to the Triune God’s activity in the world. God
entered into human history in the person of Jesus the Redeemer.
Pictured in the top medallion is the radiant new-born
Christ Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, with arms
outstretched to embrace the whole world. The Virgin Mother kneels
prayerfully with folded hands. St. Joseph, guardian protector of the Mother
and Child, holds a lantern. Nearby are an ox and a donkey, for all of
creation takes part in the birth of the Savior. Gift from shepherds, a lamb
is in the foreground.
Inside the next circle is
J, the initial
for Jesus and for John, Jehovah, and Joseph. The name Jesus was told to Mary
by the angel. It was given to Joseph in a dream.
Pictured in the middle medallion is the meeting of Mary
with cousin Elizabeth. In the background Elizabeth’s husband, Zachary, waves
greeting. In one hand, Mary holds a walking stick; her other hand is feeling
the movements of the baby within Elizabeth. An unborn child, John the
Baptist, was first to proclaim the presence of Christ.
Inside the next circle is a dove,
the symbol for the Holy
Spirit. The Incarnation is visualized by rays of light descending from God
the Holy Spirit onto the Virgin.
Pictured in the bottom medallion is the Angel Gabriel
announcing to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. In his left hand,
the angel holds a staff, the ancient sign of a messenger. The angel’s right
hand is pointing heavenward whence he came. Mary’s right hand gestures
questioningly. Both Mary and the angel have a nimbus or halo around their
heads. A circle of light around the head indicates sanctity and identifies
saints and angels as well as God.
Inside the bottom circle is a
Fleur-de-lis, a
stylized drawing of a lily. The lily represents purity and is a symbol for
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
