FONDATION

🛡️ Heraldry of the Foundation

Arma Fundationis

In Christo fundati, in caritate servientes
(Founded in Christ, serving in charity)

Introduction

The heraldic emblems of the Founder and Co-Founder, in sacred symbolism, express the spiritual identity, mission, and unity of the work entrusted to them.

Each coat of arms is distinct, yet both are rooted in Christ, revealing a shared vocation lived through different but complementary charisms: one of foundation and identity, the other of service and outreach.

Fundati in fide, consummati in caritate
(Founded in faith, fulfilled in charity)

🛡️ Arma Fundatoris

(Blazon Officiale)

Scutum quadripartitum per crucem argenteam;
In primo campo caeruleo, Lilium aureum;
in secundo campo brunneo, Cor Sacratissimum rubrum;
in tertio campo caeruleo, insignia apostolica aurea decussata;
in quarto campo brunneo, brachia decussata, unum nudum et alterum manicatum, ad modum Franciscanum;
Super crucem, corona spinea naturalis.

A shield quarterly divided by a cross Argent;
In the first quarter, Azure, a fleur-de-lis Or;
In the second quarter, Brown, the Sacred Heart Gules;
In the third quarter, Azure, two apostolic emblems Or in saltire;
In the fourth quarter, Brown, two arms in saltire, one bare and one sleeved, after the Franciscan manner;
Overall, upon the cross, a crown of thorns proper

🛡️ Founder’s Arms

Arma Fundatoris

Ex fide, fortitudine et constantia

The Arms of the Founder

The coat of arms of the Founder reflects the ministry’s origin and spiritual foundation. Its symbols express a life shaped by faith, sacrifice, and fidelity to the Gospel.

Each element has been chosen to represent not only a personal journey but also a calling entrusted with the service of others. The composition speaks of continuity, discipline, and devotion, rooted in a deeply lived Christian identity.

Spiritual Meaning

The Founder’s arms stand as a sign of stability and origin. They represent the beginning of the work, its grounding in truth, and its enduring commitment to Christ.

They speak of a vocation that builds, protects, and guides.

🛡️ Meaning of the Founder’s Blason

✝️ Central Structure — The Cross

  • The white cross (Argent) divides the shield into four parts
  • It represents:
    • Christ is at the center of everything
    • Unity of life and mission
    • The foundation upon which all else rests

👉 This is the governing symbol of the whole shield

🔵 Left Side (Azure Field)

Fleur-de-lis (Top Left)

  • Symbol of:
    • Purity and consecration
    • Traditionally associated with Our Lady
  • Meaning here: A life placed under Marian protection and spiritual purity

Crossed Elements (Bottom Left)

  • These resemble missionary or apostolic crosses/tools
  • Meaning:
    • Evangelization
    • Readiness to serve
    • Apostolic labor

👉 Together, the left side speaks of:

Faith received and lived in devotion and mission

🟤 Right Side (Brown / Franciscan Field)

Sacred Heart (Top Right)

  • Symbol of:
    • Christ’s love and sacrifice
    • Mercy and suffering embraced
  • Meaning: A heart conformed to Christ

Franciscan Arms (Bottom Right)

  • The crossed arms (one bare, one sleeved)
  • Classic Franciscan symbol:
    • Christ’s arm and St. Francis’ arm

Meaning

  • Union with Christ in humility
  • Poverty and service
  • Walking in the Franciscan path

👉 Together, the right side speaks of:

Love lived through sacrifice and humility

👑 Center Detail — Crown of Thorns

  • Placed at the intersection of the cross
  • Meaning:
    • Suffering united with Christ
    • Sacrifice at the heart of the vocation

👉 This is extremely strong theologically:

Not just faith—but crucified faith

📜 Motto

In sacrificium et perseverantia
(In sacrifice and perseverance)

This ties everything together perfectly:

  • Sacrifice → Crown, Sacred Heart
  • Perseverance → Cross, mission symbols

🧩 Overall Interpretation

This is a deeply structured blason with a clear progression:

Left → Formation

  • Faith received
  • Marian grounding
  • Call to mission

Right → Transformation

  • Love through sacrifice
  • Franciscan humility
  • Union with Christ

Center → Fulfillment

  • The Cross
  • The Crown
  • The total gift of self

🔥 In One Sentence

A life rooted in faith, formed in devotion,

and fulfilled through sacrifice in union with Christ.

✨ Final Insight (Very Important)

Placed beside Marie’s arms:

  • Eric → interior formation, sacrifice, identity
  • Marie → outward service, peace, charity

👉 Together they become:

The Cross lived within, and the Cross given to others

✝️ Co-Founder’s Arms

✝️ The Blason of Bishop Marie

The coat of arms of Bishop Marie expresses a ministry of compassion, peace, and openness to all.

The shield, rendered in Franciscan brown, reflects humility and a life rooted in service. At its center, a blue cross stands prominently, signifying a commitment to Christ that transcends all boundaries, affirming that no one is denied help based on faith or background.

In chief, a dove bearing an olive branch represents peace and new beginnings, marking a ministry dedicated to reconciliation and renewal. In base, two hands joined together symbolize active charity, a life devoted to helping others with sincerity and compassion.

At the heart of the arms, the figure of Christ reminds us that He is the source, the way, and the truth from which all service flows.

In accordance with Baptist tradition, the design is presented in simplicity, without external ecclesiastical ornaments, emphasizing the primacy of the Gospel.

✝️ Motto

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

This motto expresses a living mission: to grow in wisdom, to serve with humility, and to lead by example rather than authority.

✝️ Spiritual Meaning

These arms reveal a ministry that reaches outward. They speak of hands extended without condition, of peace offered freely, and of a faith lived through action.

They proclaim a shepherd who walks with others, teaches through service, and leads through love.