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In medieval times, the task of preserving the faith was the responsibility of Catholic monks who laboriously created illuminated manuscripts – richly embellished, handwritten – and now – priceless books containing the Sacred Scriptures. The Gospel illumination used by the Foundation for its logo is taken from the renowned Book of Kells. The Book is believed to have been created in the mid-sixth century by St. Columba, founder of the Abbey at Kells.

This illumination portrays traditional Gospel symbols based on the biblical imagery found in Ezekiel 10:14 and Revelation 4:6-8. The upper left panel with the image of a man represents the Gospel of Matthew and signifies Christ’s human nature. The upper right panel’s image of the lion represents the Gospel of Mark. The lion is a traditional symbol of royalty and power and therefore denotes Christ the King. The ox or calf, the sacrificial victim, in the lower left panel represents the Gospel of St. Luke and highlights the priestly character of Christ’s mission. The lower right panel with the eagle stands for the Gospel of St. John, the evangelist “who soars to the heavens,” as St. Augustine puts it, “and gazes on the light of immutable truth with keen and undazzled eyes.”

This particular image was chosen by the Foundation for its logo because the Gospels have been – and continue to be – the cornerstones of the Christian faith. The intricate illumination unites the symbols of the four Gospel authors with a cross and ornamental frame. It is a fitting reminder that the task of preserving the faith continues, and it recognizes the role of those who support the Catholic Community Foundation in carrying on this Christian tradition.