Newsletter - 18 May 2025
Pope Leo XIV's Motto and Coat of Arms
Pope Leo’s Coat of Arms offers a clear reflection of his Augustinian roots and the values he seeks to promote during his pontificate, particularly unity and communion within the Church.
The shield is divided diagonally into two sections. The upper half features a blue background with a white lily.
The lower half of the shield has a light background and displays an image that recalls the Order of Saint Augustine: a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow. This is a direct reference to the conversion experience of Saint Augustine himself, who described his personal encounter with God’s Word using the phrase: “You have pierced my heart with your Word.”
Pope Leo has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.” The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost spoke about the significance of this motto: “As can be seen from my episcopal motto, unity and communion are truly part of the charism of the Order of Saint Augustine, and also of my way of acting and thinking,” he said. “I believe it is very important to promote communion in the Church, and we know well that communion, participation, and mission are the three key words of the Synod. So, as an Augustinian, for me promoting unity and communion is fundamental.”
Saint Augustine’s reflection on Psalm 127 highlights the theological foundation of this idea. “Christ - head and body - is one single man. And what is the body of Christ? His Church,” Augustine writes. He then adds, “Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one. We are many and we are one - because we are united to Him, and if our Head is in heaven, the members will follow.”
Vatican News
Focus of the week
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The First Holy Communion masses will be on Sunday 18 & 25 May at 11am.
Please pray for the children receiving Communion for the first time and for their families.
Please note that parking will be difficult on these days, so consider either walking or parking at alternative places.
PENTECOST WORSHIP EVENING
Saturday 7 June – 7.30pm
An Ecumenical evening with Christ the King and the CCN Community.
We are happy to welcome Rev Edward Turner as our guest speaker.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation is open for year 10 and above.
The first session will be on Thursday 11 September at 6–7.30pm and every Thursday until Confirmation date.
Forms are available in the entrance hall.
Please contact Caterina Schifano: cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk