St. Teresa's Parish - Coat of Arms
These symbols are based on the characteristics of the life of St. Teresa of Jesus, one of the greatest mystics of the Church, contemplative, and reformer, founder of 16 Carmelite convents and monasteries for men.
Mountain: In the center of the shield rises the Holy Mountain of Carmel.
Cross: On the summit of the mountain, the cross is the symbol of our salvation on which Christ died for us; also a sign of the Discalced Carmelites founded by Teresa.
Star: Rising over the left side of the mountain, represents the spreading of the Carmelite Order ? its beginnings in the Prophetic era, the Greek and Latin eras spreading throughout the East and West till the end of the world; also, a symbol of Teresa?s Jewish ancestry. The "Star" led the Magi to the newborn Messiah.
Rain & Water: These were frequent references throughout Teresa?s writings, especially in "The Way of Perfection" (1573) and "The Interior Castle" (1577). Here rain falls over the mountain into the pool of water at the base. Teresa describes the state of union with God like the rain falling from the heavens into a river or spring. It is God?s gift from heaven, like a good gardener, providing nourishment and growth for the soul.
Quill & Ink: Depicts Teresa as a Doctor of the Church in 1970. An official and public recognition that God by His Spirit "raised up St. Teresa of Jesus to show His Church the way to perfection."
Book: The Bible, God?s holy word which should be made active in our lives as Jesus? followers.
Dove: Symbol of the Interior Life that marked the life and success of Teresa, and whose "inspired teaching and example should awaken in each of us a longing for true holiness."
Crown: Symbol of the Virgin Mary, referred to in the Apocalypse, as a woman clothed with the sun and crowned with twelve stars.
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