File:Fenwick High School (Oak Park, Illinois) (shield).gif

Summary
The fenwick shield. History of the Shield The Dominican shield consists of four white and four black gyrons or triangles. These symbolize the unity of a body of people working together for the common good. The “cross fleury”, or cross with a fleur de lis at each end, superimposed upon the gyrons, signifies victory, duty and self‐sacrifice. The sable or black of the shield symbolizes wisdom, silence, fortitude and penance. The light color (which could be white, argent or silver) signifies peace, purity charity and sincerity.

Sometimes, the motto of the Order surrounds the shield. It reads, “Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare”, which means to praise (God), to Bless (His People) and to Preach (his gospel). Frequently too, the shield may also be surrounded by the six or eight pointed star which symbolizes the star his mother saw shining from his chest at Baptism and is the distinguishing symbol of St. Dominic.