Did you ever wonder about the symbolism of the Saint Maur emblem? It's not just the symbol of Saint Maur International School, but of all of the Infant Jesus schools around the world, including six in Japan. Here's an explanation:
The Emblem of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus
The Saint Maur sisters and their schools and convents around the world belong to the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, which originated in 17th-century France. In 1970, its name officially changed to the Infant Jesus-Nicolas Barré Sisters (Sœurs de l’Enfant Jésus-Nicolas Barré, abbreviated in French as EJ-NB), to honor its founder. In Japan, the order is now called the 幼きイエス会 Osanaki Iesu-kai, literally the Society of the Infant Jesus.
The motto, which may appear in English, French, Malay, or other languages, is Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty. In French, it is Simple dans ma Vertu, Forte dans mon Devoir. In Malay, it is Tulus Dengan Fadilah, Azam Dengan Bakti.
All students at Saint Maur/Infant Jesus schools around the world wear a version of this badge. At the five Futaba Gakuen schools in Japan, the motto appears in French, whereas at Saint Maur International School and the eleven schools in Singapore, the motto is in English. Otherwise the design of the badge is almost identical. (The design used in Malaysian schools is rather different, as described below, to conform to restrictions on Christian symbolism in the officially Muslim country.)
Jeanette Thomas summarized the meaning of the motto, colors, and symbols thus:
Virtue is a personal possession. No one can take it away from you against your will. An upright virtue extends to one’s neighbour with spontaneous warmth. It judges one’s actions with humble honesty, and communicates directly with God with childlike confidence.
Duty speaks for itself. Perseverance in one’s vocation is not easy, but it yields inner peace and freedom which no money can buy. It stresses the importance of a sense of personal responsibility, which is an essential trait for everyone preparing for adulthood.
In the center of the crest lies a red shield with a silver band. The color red conveys the message of God’s love embracing the world.
The shield is surmounted by a gold cross. This is a reminder that inspiration, dedication, and fidelity come from Jesus Christ. (In the version of the shield and badge used in Malaysia, the cross is replaced by a silver star.)
The shield is encircled by a garland of white margaret daisy (marguerite) flowers. The flowers symbolize simplicity, which the congregation’s founders considered the most charming trait of young girlhood. At Saint Maur International School, the margaret flowers signify the celebration of diversity of nationality, language, culture, and faith.
On the upper right, there is a Gospel with a gold rosary. The gospel is a guide for those who seek God’s will for a life of godliness. Live by it, and you will attain peace and happiness. The Rosary of the Virgin Mary symbolizes communication with God. Cultivate it, and you will grow in the knowledge of God.
The original version of the shield, designed in 17th-century France, included the French word “Evangile” (Gospel) on the book. This word still appears on the badge worn by students at the eleven Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) schools in Singapore. (The Malaysian version replaces the Gospel with an open book, with no specific reference to Christian or Muslim symbolism.)
On the lower right, there are a distaff and a spindle, symbols of female labour in an earlier age when weaving of cloth was done by women at home. This is a typically French symbol, reminding students of the satisfaction and fulfillment to be found in a task well accomplished. At all Infant Jesus schools and orphanages, the sisters taught practical skills such as weaving, embroidery, and dressmaking to their students, with the goal of ensuring that they could live independent lives as adult women and support themselves without having to depend on a husband. (The Malaysian version has a different design of a spindle.)
