The FIAT Medal
The FIAT medal contains an
entire catechesis in images. On one side, the image of the Holy Spirit is
represented as a dove overshadowing Mary at the moment of the FIAT at the
Annunciation. Mary is represented by a diamond, a precious stone that is purer than all others. The luminous rays which surround it evoke the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. By invoking the Holy Spirit in union with Mary, we are asking that He allow us to enter into "the Secret of Mary" which is to unite us more deeply with Jesus. |
On the other side, three interlaced circles symbolize the three persons of the
Most Holy Trinity: P (Pater), F (Filius), S (Spiritus). The three open circles
remind us of the Trinitarian source of the Christian life and of the mission of
the Church. The commitment to serve this mission can vary from one person to the
next. For one, it might take the form of promoting Christian values in personal,
family, social and political life, while for another it might be service to the
poor, the sign by which the followers of Jesus may be recognized, and for yet
another it might be to spread throughout the world the fire of Pentecost "to the
very ends of the earth" by the witness of word and deed.
Below these Trinitarian circles we see the Cross. It is by his death that Jesus
conquered evil, sin and death. The letter M represents Mary at the foot of the
Cross. She recalls her unique participation in the mysteries of Redemption. All
around, we see the twelve stars representing the twelve apostles and the
universality of salvation. The word FIAT, which appears at the centre of the
circles, invites us to unite ourselves to the FIAT of Mary who said YES to the
plan of God for us. Each of us thus accepts his or her own particular mission in
light of our place in the world and the unique call that the Lord has addressed
to us.