Mission and Identity

The Seal of the University

graphic of seal of Xavier University

The seal of Xavier University reflects the Jesuit order and the life of St. Xavier. The five vertical stripes suggest the coat of arms of the Xavier family. A right arm wearing the Jesuit robe holds aloft a cross signifies Xavier's preaching and missionary works. The three seashells denote his three journeys into Asia. Above the shield is the Jesuit seal, IHS, the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek. Below is the Jesuit motto, A.M.D.G. [Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam], which translates "to the Greater Glory of God", and Vidit Mirabilia Magna, a phrase from the Roman Breviary applied to St. Francis Xavier which translates "He has seen great wonders."