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The shield, in blue, black and white, is divided into three fields representing the Holy Trinity. The black tau cross that divides the shield is called the “cross of prophecy" or the “Advent cross,”and suggests the New Advent. The tau also reminds us that the way of the disciple requires a daily shouldering of the cross of Christ. The top field is an expression of appreciation for, and our continuity with, St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, which included in its seal an open book (the Scriptures, the Father's plan disclosed) with the word evangelizare. To suggest the new evangelization we have added the noviter “to newly evangelize.”
The bottom left field features the fleur-de-lis, the stylized lily representing Our Lady and her purity, particularly as presented in the mystery of the Annunciation/ Incarnation of the Son, the event central to Advent. The angel Gabriel, the messenger of the advent of the Savior, is often pictured holding a lily at the Annunciation. It is also a symbol of the royalty of France and so is secondarily used as a symbol for St. John Vianney's national origin. The fleur is on a blue background, again for Our Lady.
The bottom right field holds a columbine, state flower of Colorado, symbol of the Holy Spirit (from columba, the Latin word for “dove"), and is held by the Christ Child in the icon of Our Lady of the New Advent. Below the shield, the banner bears Our Lady's fiat, her response to the announcement by Gabriel of her place in the saving plan of God. It is meant to suggest both a new announcement of the Gospel in our day and the willingness of the members of the Seminary to submit to God's will for them in imitation of Mary.
The circle enclosing the shield and banner contains the name of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary. Each of the divisions of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary use the same seal. These divisions or programs include the Program of Priestly Formation, the Diaconal Formation Program and the Division of Lay Formation.