The Logo of the Chevalier Family was designed in Brazil for use at the Third International Assembly of Laity of the Chevalier Family. In many ways, this Assembly marked the formal birth of the international, national and regional structures of the movement, and it was where the Guiding Principles and Statutes were adopted. The Logo depicts the spirit and essence of the emerging movement of laity at that Assembly and has since been adopted by both the International Council and many National Councils as their own.
The Logo is quite distinctive in its features and is different from the explicitly Christian images of the MSC, FDNSC and the MSC Sisters. While the key symbols of Spirituality of the Heart are present in the recognisable, but softly drawn Sacred Heart and Cross of Jesus, the Logo also contains strong images of the human interconnection and interrelationship that are identifying features of our shared charism, yet at the same time point to the distinctiveness of our Lay Charism, where we live in families, we earn our living in our communities and we commit ourselves in a way that is different from professed members. When the images are considered through the eyes of our Charism they point us to foundational scriptures: since it is in him (LOVE) that we live and move and exist (Acts 17:28) and this LOVE of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5) and whoever fails to LOVE does not know God, because God is LOVE. (1 Jn 4: 8)
The centrality but openness of the heart: the universal symbol for love, human and divine, draws us to the transformation of our own hearts that comes through our offering of our lives to the Heart of Christ. This offering leads us to encounter for ourselves the love of God. It is from this transforming encounter that our interconnection and relationality flows. The configuration of the figures reflects this understanding. Their shape and posture are gently intertwined, but loosely held; the different forms are reflective of gender, culture and worldview, but most importantly, all flow from the Heart of Christ. We are diverse, yet animated by the same source. Our interconnection leads us deeply into the pain and suffering of the world, which could overwhelm us but for the Hope of Christ which is poured into our hearts to be a source of hope for others. It is from the flame of the charism that this transforming hope flows out of the heart encircling the people.
The flame of charism connects the interior symbols to the outer circle. The use of green, signifying hope, encircles the central image and symbolically reflects creation, in which we live and from which we are sustained. Spirituality of the Heart recognises that creation powerfully reflects a God of life and relationship and reminds us, as laity, of our sacred task to commit to the preservation and protection of the creation from which all life comes. This understanding is enhanced through the depiction of our name within the circle of creation and by the flame of our charism pointing directly to our name. This clearly identifies the place of the laity within the Chevalier Family as a group that is distinct, yet completely connected to the common vision.
The Logo is dancing; its gentle strength is reflective of the central place of Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, in our charism and draws us into the love between Jesus and Mary that flows from them to us and all creation, enabling us to participate in the joyful dance of love.
The Logo calls us, as members of the Laity of the Chevalier Family, to participate in the creation of hope, meaning and purpose which is the birthright of all humanity.