St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa explains almost poetically why the depiction of a dove signifies the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. "For the dove dwells beside the running stream, in order that, perceiving the hawk, it may plunge in and escape. This refers to the gift of Wisdom, by which the saints dwell beside the running waters of Holy Scripture, in order to escape the assaults of the devil. In the same way, the dove selects choice seed. This refers to the gift of Knowledge, by which the saints select sound doctrines, with which they are nourished. In the same way, the dove feeds the brood of other birds.This refers to the gift of Counsel, with which the saints, by their teaching and example, feed men who have been the brood i.e. imitators, of the devil. In the same way, the dove does not tear apart with its beak. This refers to the gift of Understanding, with which the saints do not tear apart sound doctrines, as heretics do. In the same way, the dove has no gall. This refers to the gift of Piety, by means of which the saints are free of unreasonable anger. In the same way, the dove makes its nest in the cleft of a rock. This refers to the gift of Fortitude, with which the saints build their nest, i. e. take refuge and hope, in the death wounds of Christ, the immovable Rock. In the same way, the dove's song is plaintive rather than joyful. This refers to the gift of Fear, by which the saints delight in bewailing sins." Father Francis, one of those saints, realized that these gifts were practical and that only, through practice, could we share in God's plan for holiness. JMJ. Mick, SFO