The Augustinian Crest contains a pierced heart aflame, and a Book of Scriptures. From the Confessions we read: "Your Word struck into my heart O Lord, and from that moment I fell in love with you!"
In the older Augustinian Crest, the large circle in white, we see, a Crozier and Miter for Augustine, as well as at Augustinian Cincture (Belt). Each of these items are iconographically tied to Saint Augustine, or different Augustinians. Since the Augustinian Habit resembles the Benedictines and some branches of Franciscans, the Cincture becomes an important identifier.
Written by Mark Menegatti, OSA August 25, 2018