God often uses examples in creation to show us how to live. Early Christians identified the pelican with the attributes of devotion, harmony, nurturing and self-giving.
In times of scarcity, a mother pelican will pierce her own chest with her beak to feed her chicks with her blood, ensuring their survival. This act of love and sacrifice was seen as a reflection of Jesus’ death on the cross. Medieval artists embraced the pelican as a symbol of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where His blood flowed from His side for our redemption and spiritual nourishment. It became linked to the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, embodying the essence of self-sacrifice and divine love.
We chose the image of the pelican because it resonates with our faith and symbolizes the sacrificial, unconditional and Eucharistic love of Jesus. Just as the pelican sustains her young with her life, Christ offers His body and blood to sustain us, giving us spiritual life and strength.
Our logo’s maxim, "Pray and Love," encapsulates this symbolism and our core beliefs. It serves as a constant reminder of our commitment to live a life centered on the Eucharist and, following the example set by Jesus, to become witnesses of God's love to others through prayer and charity. By displaying and wearing the pelican logo, we not only honor this sacred symbol of Christ, but it is a public expression of our desire for, and our commitment to an interior transformation.
Through prayer and acts of love, we strive to embody the virtues symbolized by the pelican; nurturing our faith and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This emblem is worn as a testament to the transformative power of the Eucharist, and a sign of our dedication to live as missionaries of God’s love and tenderness.
To adopt a way of life centered on the Eucharist, committing to grow in the virtues of prayer and charity, and doing only those things which draw us closer to God, leading us to obedience of His two greatest commandments.
By internalizing the virtues of prayer and charity, we will have a community of people who share the joy of accompanying one another on the journey, who listen, who help each other discern, and whose faith becomes such that they are proud to proclaim it.
The confraternity exists to create a deeper mindfulness of the intense love that Jesus has for us, and to foster a greater love for the Eucharist in the hearts of our brothers and sisters.
We persevere in love through prayer by uniting our thoughts and wills to God, not with fear or anxiety, but with confidence in His love and mercy.
We recognize that charity is the greatest virtue because it is the perfection of all other love. It allows us to love God above all others, and in all others.
True spiritual progress consists of humility, of accepting that we are totally dependent on God, and striving always to conform our wills to His.
We accept the role that God has given us all as "chosen ones"; as friends and sharers of eternal life, and we dedicate ourselves to live in that divine love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The best way to make a consistent change in our lives is by holding ourselves accountable.
We do so in prayer by reflecting daily on how we are doing:
When did I feel closest to God today?
In what moments did I sense His guidance or comfort?
Where did I encounter beauty or grace?
What am I thankful for today?
Which blessings or gifts did I recieve?
How did God's love manifest in my life?
When did I feel joy, peace, or contentment?
Were there moments of frustration, anger, or sadness?
How did my emotions impact my interactions with others?
Recall a specific event, conversation, or encounter.
What did I learn from it? How did it shape me?
Offer a prayer of gratitude, healing, or transformation.
What challenges or opportunities lie ahead?
How can I better imitate Christ in my actions?
Invite God's grace to guide you in the day to come.