St. John Vianney Regional School’s outstanding faith-filled principles are founded from three of Allentown’s finest Catholic institutions—St. Paul’s School, St. Francis of Assisi School and Cathedral School. Together, these schools had a combined history of over 200 years of academic excellence; providing thousands of students with quality, spiritual education.



​​Who was St. John Vianney?​

The Patron of priests, St. John Vianney was ordained in France in 1815. His reputation as a director of souls made him known throughout the Christian world. St. John Vianney had incredible patience and was a wonderworker loved by many. He heard confessions of people from all over the world for sixteen hours each day. His life was filled with works of charity and love. He died in 1859.

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​What does the SJV logo symbolize?

The image of a “shield” represents so much — including faith, salvation, protection, safety, and love. There are a number of scriptures in the Bible that speak of the shield as God’s way of protecting us. Chapter 3:3 “But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me. You are my glory. You hold my head high.” (GW Ps 5:12). The SJV shield incorporates the image of the cross as well as a figure reaching toward God, the heavens and the pursuit of a faith-filled life with optimism, happiness and energy.



Not just an ordinary mascot!

The St. John Vianney students chose the school’s mascot, the English Bulldog—known for its strong
determination, stamina, strength, speed, and high intelligence. In addition, the bulldog’s name, REX, is the Latin word for “King.” On the top of many crucifixes there is a small sign or “titulus” with the letters “INRI.” The Gospel tells us that Pontius Pilate, who authorized the execution of Jesus Christ, ordered that an inscription be written on the top of the Cross which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). The Latin inscription read, “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.”



Did you know that SJV’s school colors have special meaning, too?

St. John Vianney has the same colors as the Allentown Diocese! Red symbolizes excitement, energy, speed, strength, health, good fortune and power... while Gold signifies happiness, optimism, imagination, hope, philosophy, creativity, learning, intelligence, knowledge, concentration, confidence and organization! Every quality an SJV student possesses!



Our quilt story...​

The SJV quilt is the product of a two year effort that commemorates the three founding schools that make up St. John Vianney Regional School. Created by students, families and parishioners, the blocks are constructed from the original school uniforms. The star patterns are positioned on the quilt as the schools were within the city of Allentown; Cathedral School in the west (left center), St. Francis in the north (top center) and St. Paul’s in the east (right center). In the center, framed in SJV’s red and gold, is a schoolhouse created from the original uniforms as well as the new uniform of St. John Vianney Regional School. Flying proudly from the roof are three flags depicting the original schools’ colors! Our quilt is on display outside our Main Office.