Note
Convocation parament featuring John Calvin heart in hand and seven doves.
The parament features the traditional John Calvin heart and hand which has been the chief identifying symbol for Calvin College throughout the years. However, the heart in hand is depicted in the context of the task of Calvin College by combining it with seven doves, the symbols of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as given in Isaiah 11:2-3 are, "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord."
The Book of Common Prayer, in the Order of Confirmation is the Invocation Prayer used from time immemorial, prior to the Laying on of Hands, at which time the gifts are received (Acts 8:14-17). In this prayer the Gifts of Grace are enumerated as we usually hear them: The spirit of wisdom and understanding (intellectual gifts), The spirit of counsel and ghostly strength (moral gifts), The spirit of knowledge and true godliness (spiritual gifts), the spirit of holy fear, or fear of the Lord.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are found in the circle of the seven doves, each symbolizing one gift.