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Logo and Motto

The seal of the Congregation consists of a cross with a lance and sponge mounted on three hills; on either side of the cross are the abbreviated names of Jesus and Mary; above the cross is an eye sending forth rays; over all a crown. Around the seal is the motto: With him is plentiful redemption (Cfr. Psalm 130:7)
- General Statutes of the Redemptorists, No. 06

About the logo:

logoThe cross is for Christians a sign of God’s saving love. This love was revealed in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus and his sending the Holy Spirit. The cross represents this total mystery. It is a cross not a crucifix.

The sponge is mentioned in St John’s Gospel. The Roman centurion dipped it in vinegar and offered it to Jesus. It is a sign of Christ’s thirst to gather up all humanity unto God.

The lance, also mentioned in St John’s Gospel, is for Christians a sign of the completeness of Christ’s love as blood and water poured from his side when pierced by the lance.

The three hills represent those hills that stand out in the great moments of the salvation story, Sinai, Tabor and Calvary.

The eye and the rays bursting forth represent God’s presence threaded through all creation.

The crown represents God’s reign and the new era of justice that God is ushering in.

The olive branch represents Christ’s option for humanity amidst the olive trees of Gethsemane.

The palm branch is a sign of the acclamation given Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem, and more finally, the acclamation of all creation in witnessing his resurrection.

About the Motto:

The Redemptorist motto is “Copiosa apud eum redemptio” or “With God there is plentiful redemption” from Psalm 129:7.

Following St Alphonsus, in all pastoral ministry the centrality of Christ must always be stressed, as the mystery of the mercy of the Father. Redemptorists should never tire of proclaiming copiosa redemptio, that is, the infinite love which Christ has for human beings, especially those most in need of healing and freedom when tainted by the horrible consequences of sin.
- Pope John Paul II

Of further interest:

Psalm 130 is 3,000 years old and was first prayed in Hebrew. From it comes the Redemptorist motto, ‘With the Lord there is plentiful redemption’.

Here is a rendition of the psalm with a reconstructed melody of the time.

The Music of the Bible Revealed - Psalms 130