Since 1949, a white beret has been worn by the Pilgrims of Saint Michael in their apostolate work. One sees a book and a flame on the beret. What is the significance of these symbols?
In 1949, the Directors asked the membership to find a special way to identify our apostles. One of our members proposed wearing a white beret which would depict the same symbols found on our flag. Today, the sole difference is that the flag does not have any inscription whereas the names of the English, French and Spanish magazines, MICHAEL, Vers Demain and San Miguel, are displayed on the beret. Our late Directress, Mrs. Gilberte Côté-Mercier wrote in 1977:
Our white flag was solemnly blessed by Bishop Philippe Desranleau on August 31, 1941, in Christ the King Church in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The white background represents the purity of the goals and means we pursue and signifies the righteousness of the objectives and methods of our apostles who strive to be free of pride, selfishness and treachery.
On this white background, there is a book, which symbolizes that it is through studying and teaching the truth that we strive to save souls for heaven and to free people and institutions from bondage to high finance here on earth. The book is outlined in gold which represents wisdom. The red flame above the book signifies the fire of the apostolate, which must keep us on guard in the fight for social justice.
Additionally, the three colours of our flag and beret — white, red and gold — represent the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the holy Rosary of Our Lady.
Every member of the Pilgrims of St. Michael who wishes to promote our message can be proud to wear the white beret.