Developing Our Logo

The logo of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Relics, designed by Stephen Babula.

Just like anything in the Catholic Church, art has tremendous symbolism and meaning. I wanted our logo to be a piece of art that could represent the beauty of the work of our organization.

Designing Our Logo

When thinking of the design for our logo, I chose a circle to show St.Gianna's never ending intercession and the prayers that unite us around the globe.  I asked our graphic designer to add lily of the valley flowers in all stages of life, from bud to full bloom to show that life is sacred from the very beginning to the very end. This is a reminder of Saint Gianna's choice to save the life of her baby, and also the work she did as a doctor to care for her patients regardless of age or ability.

The Importance of Lily of the Valley

Why did we choose lily of the valley? There are a few reasons. 

• When I read a book about her life, I read that lily of the valley were Saint Gianna's favorite flowers. She planted them all in her garden in Italy. When she passed away her siblings all took some to transplant in their own gardens. 

• These flowers are also featured prominently on the 2nd class relic card, because they were St.Gianna's favorite flower. These beautiful flowers also symbolize pure love.

• They also help those who see our logo to always remember the date that Saint Gianna was made a saint of the Catholic Church.  St.Gianna was canonized on May 16th and the lily of the valley are known as the "May's flower."  We added 16 flowers budding on the circle.

• Lily of the valley traditionally is the flower known for representing the Sorrowful Mother because its blooms look like tear drops. Our patron surely grieves with mothers who grieve or those who have struggled to have a child. 

This logo was designed by Stephen Babula. He took my concept and nailed it. Thank you, Steve!  

Saint Gianna Molla, pray for us.