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The LOGO
VITA CONSECRATA IN ECCLESIA HODIE.
EVANGELIUM, PROPHETIA, SPES.
A dove gently supports a multifaceted globe on its wing, whilst skimming the flowing
water upon which are three stars, under the protection of the other wing.
The Logo for the Year of the Consecrated Life, work of the artist, Carmela Boccasile,
symbolically expresses the fundamental values of the Consecrated Life. One recognises
‘the unceasing work of the Holy Spirit, who in every age shows forth the richness of the
practice of the evangelical counsels through a multiplicity of charismas. In this way, too,
makes ever present in the Church and in the world, in time and space, the mystery of
Christ.’ (V.C 5) In the graphic image outlined by the dove, one can see the word’ Peace’
in Arabic: a reminder that the vocation to the Consecrated Life is an example of the
universal reconciliation in Christ.
THE SYMBOLS IN THE LOGO
The dove on the waters
The dove is part of the classical symbolism used to depict the action of the Holy Spirit,
source of life and creativity. It recalls the start of history: ‘in the beginning, the Spirit of
God hovered over the waters’. (cf. Gen.1, 2) The dove, gliding over a sea, full of
unspoken life, recalls a patient and confident fertility, whilst the surrounding signs reveal
the creative and transforming action of the Spirit. The dove also evokes the consecration
of humanity to Christ in Baptism.
The waters, formed like mosaic tresses, indicate the complexity and the harmony of
human and cosmic elements that the Spirit cause us ‘to groan’ according to the
mysterious designs of God. (cf Rom.8, 26-27), so that in spite of the threats of a
menacing hostile sea, - the dove flies over the waters of the deluge. (Gen.8, 8-14) – they
converge in a welcoming and fertile encounter resulting in a new creation. Consecrated
persons, pilgrims under the banner of the Gospel, live their charismatic diversity as ‘good
stewards of the manifold graces of God.’ (1 Peter 4, 10) Marked by the Cross of Christ
even unto martyrdom live out the story with the wisdom of the Gospel, the Church that
embraces and heals all that is human in Christ.
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The three stars
They recall the identity of the consecrated life in the world: as coffessio Trinitatis,
signum fraternitatis et servitium caritatis. They express the circular and relational
movement of Trinitarian love that the consecrated life is trying to live out every day in
the world. The stars also recall the triune golden seal with which the Byzantine
iconography honours Mary, the all holy Mother of God.: first disciple of Christ, model
and patron of all the Consecrated.
The multi-faceted globe
The small multi-faceted globe symbolises the world with the variety of peoples and
cultures, as Pope Francis confirms. (EV 236) The breath of the Spirit sustains and leads
to the future. It invites all consecrated persons, ’to become witnesses of the Spirit
(pneumatophóroi), men and women genuinely spiritual, capable of endowing history with
hidden fruitfulness. (V.C. 6)
THE LEMMA
Vita consecrata in Ecclesia hodie. Evangelium, Prophetia, Spes.
Le lemma gives further emphasis to identity and horizons, to experiences and ideals,
grace and the way that the Consecrated Life lived and continues to live in the Church as
people of God in the pilgrimage of the nations and the cultures of the future.
Evangelium: indicates the basic rule of Consecrated Life which is ‘the following of
Christ as taught in the Gospel’.(PC 2a). First of all as a ‘living memory of Jesus’ activity
and life style’ (VC 22), then as the wisdom of life in the light of the many
recommendations proposed by the Master to his disciples (cf L.G.42) The Gospel offers
orientations of joy and wisdom. (cf. EV 1).
Prophetia: remembers the prophetic character of the Consecrated Life that ‘presents itself
in a special form of sharing in Christ's prophetic office, which the Holy Spirit
communicates to the whole People of God.(V.C. 84) One can speak of an authentic
prophetic ministry which flows from the Word of God, is welcomed and lived in the
various circumstances of life. This witness is also expressed through the denunciation of
all that is contrary to the divine will, through the exploration of new ways to apply the
Gospel in history, in expectation of the coming of God's Kingdom.
Spes: remembers the ultimate fulfilment of the Christian mystery. We live in a time of
widespread uncertainty and lack far reaching projects. Our hope shows itself as fragile
culturally and socially; the horizon is sombre because ‘we seem to have lost track of
God.’ (V.C 85) The Consecrated Life has a permanent eschatological
tension. Consecrated persons, by their charismas, become signs of the Spirit pointing to a
new future enlightened by faith and by Christian hope. Eschatological expectation
becomes mission, so that the Kingdom may become ever more fully established here and
now. (V.C.27). As a sign of hope, the Consecrated Life is associated with mercy, is a
parable for the future and freedom from all forms of idolatry.
“Animated by the love by which the Holy Spirit is poured into our hearts” (Rom.5.5) all
consecrated persons embrace the universe and become a reflection of the Trinitarian
love, mediators of fraternal communion and unity, prayerful sentinels on the fringes of
history in solidarity with suffering humanity, in silent seeking of the Spirit.