The cross at the heart of Iona's Crest is the traditional sign of Christ's self-sacrificial love. The Celtic design of the cross signifies the great monastic communities - especially the Iona monastery founded by St. Columba (Colum Cille) - where learning, art, and spirituality flourished. The interlacing on the surface of the cross characterizes both ancient Celtic art and medieval Irish illumination. Above the cross, the date "1940" marks the founding of the College. To the left and right, a fleur-de-lis and star honor the city of New Rochelle. Iona's motto is "Certa Bonum Certamen" or "Fight the Good Fight," an exhortation from Paul (1 Tim 6:12). In the same passage, Paul asks his young friend to pursue "justice, piety, integrity, love, fortitude, and gentleness" - ideals that Iona students continually seek to renew.