An Explanation of Our Emblem

The emblem of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist is a symbolic representation of the virtues of our holy patron, St.John the Baptist, and of the perfection to which the Baptistines aspire.

The shield represents our holy faith that is to defend us against the wiles of the devil.  The division of the shield into a red and white field symbolizes the beheading of John the Baptist for his courageous defense of God's law. The colors themselves are also symbolic.  The red reminds us of the blood that gushed from his body; the white represents the silver dish on which his head was placed and which reflected the silvery whiteness of his noble countenance.  On the green banner of faith are inscribed the words with which the Precursor announced to the world the presence of Christ among men: "Ecce Agnus Dei -- Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world."  The shield is encircled by the Rosary with the smaller beads for the "Hail Mary's" in lapislazuli, indicative of peace and innocence.  The large beads, the "Our Fathers" are in gold, emblem of light and the divine splendor of truth.  The line which divides the shield symbolizes the two-edged sword of the spirit, the noble weapon whose hilt is a cross and whose point is ever turned heavenward.

The seal, C.S.S.J.B. (Congregatio Sororum Sanctis Joannis Baptistae) (Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist) crowns the emblem.. It is inscribed on a blue ribbon, symbol of the heavenly intercession of our Patron and our fidelity to our holy Congregation.