The Crest & Motto

Print

The motto of the Sisters of Charity of Australia – Caritas Christi urget nos (the love of Christ urges us) –  is drawn from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 5:14).

The extract emphasises the concept of life after death. Paul, having concluded that one man, Jesus, died for us all, now stresses that we who now live might no longer live for ourselves, but for him who for our sake died and was raised.

The powerful and inspiring sentence that begins v.14 is: Caritas Christi urget nos.

The crest features the primary colours of the Sisters of Charity – deep blue, signifying the Virgin Mary, and gold which signifies the glory of God.

The cross and the crown are symbols of redemption and eternal life.

The intertwined MAs on the shield are the initials of one of the titles given to the Mother of God, Maria Angelorum (Mary of the Angels),  the patroness of the Sisters of Charity.

In the New Testament (Revelations 12:1), a scriptural symbol of the Mother of God is an image with a crown of 12 stars on her head and the moon beneath her feet. So, in the crest, the stars above the letters MA and the crescent moon below indicate Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

 

 

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

Ask a Question

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact us
Level 7, 35 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Australia

T: (02) 9367 1222