Introduction

The Emblem

The emblem of the Order of St. Augustine is a flaming heart pierced by an arrow on the background of an open book. This imagery is inspired by a statement Augustine makes in the Confessions Book IX.3: "With the arrows of your charity you had pierced our hearts and we bore your words within us like a sword penetrating us to the core".

The burning heart suggests love – the love of God and of all humanity. The arrow, piercing the heart and causing a droplet of blood, also reminds us of the prayer of St. Augustine, "Lord, you have wounded me with your Word." The book represents the teachings of the gospel, the writings of Augustine, the dedication to intellectual searching and study, the pursuit of knowledge (both divine and earthly) and the commitment of the Order of St. Augustine to learning, for Augustine said that the whole world is our classroom for our whole life. Older versions of the logo were more ornate, and sometimes also featured an Augustinian cincture (cinctura) and the mitre and crozier ("rod") of a bishop.

St. Augustine is often portrayed holding a flaming heart to indicate his great personal charity and the fact that he preached love of neighbour as the way to serve God. In the emblem of the Order it reminds Augustine's followers that they must practice and preach charity toward God and neighbour. The arrow piercing the heart and the book represents the Spirit of God piercing our minds and hearts and calling us to a continual growth of faith, hope and love in our lives.