The Lotus symbolizes integrity, perfection, purity and grace. As an unrivalled symbol of creation, the lotus signifies also spiritual growth and the divine within each person. Rooted in mire, it rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. From a slender bud, the flower unfolds to reveal delicate petals held together by a strong centre. This represents the aspiration of several women religious Congregations with diverse charisms, to come together with a shared vision of the Reign of God for a common mission of compassionate love in action.
The two lotus leaves symbolize harmony and peace. Lotus leaves have amazing curative properties; as such, they are used to heal wounds. The two leaves in the symbol signify the caring and healing mission of women as peacemakers to create harmony and wholeness in our world.
M stands for Mary, the Mother of God, who bloomed to her full stature with the grace of God. She is the model for women to grow in the fullness of Christ through human, spiritual, and theological formation.
Intersected X and P signify the first two letters of Christ in Greek – X (Chi) and P (Rho). Chi-Rho represents the centrality of Jesus Christ in the life of Institute Mater Dei.
Colossians 2: 2-3 elucidates it aptly: “May you be established in love, that you may obtain all the riches of a full understanding and know the mystery of God, Christ himself. For in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”.
THE MOTTO
The Motto of IMD, “Grow unto the Fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13) refers to unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God. It entails growth to full maturity to the dimension of a perfect human being, possibly the ‘one new person’. This growth occurs in an atmosphere, enlightened and challenged by the person and mission of Jesus. A person’s growth is measured in relation to “the stature of the fullness of Christ”.
The holistic growth of women – religious and lay – through human, spiritual and theological formation equips them for mystical and prophetical dimensions of their mission. Institute Mater Dei draws wisdom and strength from Mary, the Mother of God, whose Fiat (“thy will be done”) brought about the Incarnation of Jesus, who proclaimed the Kingdom of God to the world.