RARE Antique French Saint Augustine shield from the order of Saint Augustine monastery. This piece is circa late 1700s to early 1800s. The emblem or seal of the Augustinian Order represents Augustinian spirituality. The flaming heart is the human heart. It symbolizes Augustine’s love of God and his fellow brothers and sisters. The Augustinian heart is passionately alive, wanting to know God and experience divine love in our lives. The thorns that pierce the heart represent the Spirit of God piercing our hearts, calling us to continue growth in faith, hope, and love. This is the basis of that great restlessness typical of St. Augustine, which led him to seek God in all things and above all things.
This stunning procession shield was once mounted to something, as you can see by the two small holes on each side and the visible place on the bottom of the back where it was also attached to something. It measures 5.5" x 5.5" and has a slight curve to it as a shield would have; it is a beautiful and extremely rare piece for any collection.
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