The Shield
The shield of the University of Saint Joseph combines the insignia of the Sisters of Mercy, the Cross and Crown, with the Coat of Arms of Saint Joseph. The Coat of Arms, according to the medieval heralds, consisted of a blue field, upon which lay a silver carpenter’s square that overlays three silver lilies. The carpenter’s square symbolizes Saint Joseph’s occupation and is also a symbol of accuracy and truth. The lilies symbolize integrity and indicate that Saint Joseph was the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose purity is represented by the chaste white lily. Three flowers are used to represent the Blessed Trinity. However, in the University shield, the center flower is replaced by the cross which, combined with the crown, represents the Sisters of Mercy under whose sponsorship the University was founded and continues to flourish.
The Medal
A gift from the University Alumni Association in 1984, the Presidential Medal depicts the University shield and is cast in gold. The chain that supports the medal was crafted by John Cavanaugh in celebration of the University’s 60th anniversary.
The Mace
The maceis carried in academic processions preceding the president. The mace derives from the medieval period when it was a formidable weapon used to protect a dignitary taking office or opening court. From the 16th century in England, and since the colonial period in America, the mace has become a symbol of office carried by a distinguished member of the procession.
The University of Saint Joseph mace was crafted by John Cavanaugh in commemoration of the University’s 60th anniversary. The design of the mace is derived from the educational goals of the University: to assist students in developing intellectual curiosity, a sense of integrity, and a commitment to service.
A mace is a symbol of authority. Since all authority has God as its source, the cross is the top element. It is mounted on an orb to indicate universality. Below is a sphere, a “perfect” geometric figure used here to signify integrity. Seven bands compose the sphere and are signs of the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—and the four moral virtues—prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. These virtues are the essence of integrity. Within the sphere is a quartz crystal to represent multiple facets of the whole piece. The crystal signifies the search for truth as presented to us in facets, or aspects, of Total Truth. The virtues listed above find their expression in service, which is symbolized by the band of hands around a disc element that serves to support the sphere. The mace is marked with the seals of the University of Saint Joseph and the State of Connecticut.
The mace is 36 inches long and weighs eight pounds. It is hand wrought of sterling silver, and the cross is coated with 24K gold.
FAQs
The Shield
What are the symbols of St. Joseph? ›
Symbols associated with Joseph include the carpenter's square and lily. The carpenter's square not only symbolizes Joseph's trade but also the concept of truth. The lily, which can also be seen in the Saint Joseph's University logo over the letter J, represents purity and Joseph's celibate marriage to the Virgin Mary.
What does the lily symbolize for St. Joseph? ›
A: The lily is associated with St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, through an ancient legend that he was so chosen from among other men by the blossoming of his staff like a lily. Likewise, the biblical passage, "The just man shall blossom like the lily" is applied to St.
What flower is St. Joseph holding? ›
Joseph's Lilies/One Father in Heaven. Q Many statues and artwork depicting St. Joseph show him holding a staff with white lilies blossoming from it.
What color represents St. Joseph? ›
Brown & Green Fabric: Saint Joseph is typically shown wearing brown and green robes. In Biblical times, brown was the color worn by most of the poor working men. The color green symbolizes Joseph's faithfulness to God's call.
What are 3 different symbols on the St Joseph altar and what do they represent? ›
A Crown of Thorns and Palms refer to martyrdom and symbols of eternal love. Wine bottles on the altar represent the miracle of Cana and the twelve whole fish represent the twelve apostles and the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
What does St. Joseph's staff symbolize? ›
Part of the pious legend of St. Joseph is that his staff is the one that bloomed with lilies so that everyone knew that he was to be the spouse of our Blessed Virgin Mary. So many nativity scenes have St. Joseph carrying or leaning on the staff, which is also a symbol of authority.
What is St. Joseph's Favourite Colour? ›
Joseph is most often depicted, red has become the defining color for those celebrating him. While red has many connotations within the Christian tradition, it represents good luck on St.
Who is the female saint with lilies? ›
Catherine is often seen in paintings wearing the white robes of the Dominican order, a crown of thorns and receiving the stigmata, and her attributes include a lily, a book and a cross. She is the patron saint of nurses and one of the patron saints of Italy.
What does St. Joseph hold in his hand? ›
Returning to the flower of Saint Joseph, while in the most common iconography, Saint Joseph is often depicted with a stick from which blooming lilies, symbol of the purity of the Virgin, In the sacred iconography of Hispanic countries Saint Joseph is often depicted with a branch of nard in his hand.
The Emblem reminds the Sisters of St Joseph of the importance of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and John the Baptist in their lives. The Cross is a symbol of the religious name Mary called herself - 'Mary of the Cross,‛ when she became a Sister of St Joseph. The A and M (drawn over the top of each other), stand for Ave Maria.
What saint wears purple? ›
Lydia of Thyatira is most known as a "seller" or merchant of purple cloth, which is the likely reason for the Catholic Church naming her "patroness of dyers." It is unclear as to if Lydia simply dealt in the trade of purple dye or whether her business included textiles as well, though all known icons of the saint ...
What are some interesting facts about St. Joseph? ›
Saint Joseph settled in Nazareth with his family. There, he taught Jesus the art of Carpentry. It is noted that the last time Saint Joseph appeared in the Bible (Luke 2:41–49) was when Jesus went missing. Joseph found young Jesus teaching in the temple.
What is the spirituality of St. Joseph? ›
With eyes full of love, Saint Joseph always keeps his gaze on God. With the wisdom of faith, he knows he loves him, believes with complete confidence, and is ready to give everything he is and make life what God asks of him, to be the husband, support, and aid of Mary, the father of Jesus, the Son of God on earth.
What are the symbols of Mary and Joseph? ›
Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies purity and motherhood, her face often depicted with an ethereal glow. Joseph stands by her side, a symbol of steadfast faith and protection. Their expressions and body language convey a range of virtues – patience, humility, and reverence.
What animal represents St. Joseph? ›
Thus one sometimes sees paintings of the Presentation of the Child Jesus with Joseph bearing two white turtledoves. [Luke 2:22, 24] As an emblem of purity the dove sometimes appears on top of St. Joseph's rod to show that he was chosen to be the husband of the Virgin Mary.
