Symbol
Pomegranate symbol
The
pomegranate was adopted by the Sisters of St John of God to reflect
the order’s patron Saint, Saint John of God, who ministered to the
sick and poor in the Spanish town of Granada (which means
pomegranate in Spanish) in the first half of the 16th
century.
Our five Values are reflected in the five
seeds of the pomegranate, which is open, allowing the seeds to
scatter and representing the generous self-giving required to reach
out to people in need. The cross, the symbol of Christianity,
reminds us of Jesus’ suffering and his call to follow
in his footsteps.
St John of God Hauora Trust symbol
St John of God Hauora Trust,
which operates our New Zealand services, has integrated the
pomegranate symbol with a Patiki (fish) symbol representing the
strength of Maori culture.
Our New Zealand service incorporates the
Patiki, which occurs throughout Maori art as a symbol for
hospitality and the ability to provide food and good weather, into
their logos, which were developed by a Maori designer.