The "escudo" or "escutcheon" has five (5) major elements. The "base" represents God's omnipotent power and grace protecting or shielding Mary – represented by the monogram "M" – from original sin, as it was said by David: "God, his was is immaculate...He is the shield of all that trust in Him." (2Kings 22:31) The "Flaming Heart" represents Mary's loving and maternal concern for the seminarians and professors of the seminary. It is surrounded by "Twelve Stars" – adapted from her appearance to St. Bernadette of Lourdes in France telling her that "I am the Immaculate Conception," hence the title, Immaculate Heart of Mary, is adopted. Over the "escudo" is an open book representing the continuous search for knowledge by the seminarians through diligent studies. It is highlighted by the "Burning Torch" representing the "lumen Christi," or the light of Christ, which is always given to those who earnestly seek for knowledge and truth.