Exploring the Sacred Symbols of Bishop Bill's Episcopal Shield

The episcopal shield is a spiritual and artistic creation that exemplifies the heart and mission of each bishop. Sometimes called an impaled shield, when combined with the diocesan shield representative of where a bishop serves, the episcopal shield itself, is contained within a larger context. The entire backdrop is called a coat of arms, and every bishop has one. 

The coat of arms is designed with a low-crowned, flat, green hat called a galero, symbolic of those worn in processions before the 20th century. Twelve green tassels, six on each side, hang from the hat in order to distinguish the rank of bishop. Below the hat, a processional cross is lifted regally above the bishop’s episcopal shield. Often, you will see a coat of arms with both the diocesan shield fully represented on the left side, and the bishop’s unique shield fully represented on the right. This is called an impaled shield. 

Cross and anchors

On Bishop Bill’s shield, there are three symbols that are immediately obvious to the casual observer. First are the cross and anchors in the left top area. This is the insignia for the Congregation of Holy Cross, of which Bishop Bill has been a member for the last 28 years.The anchor is an ancient Christian symbol depicting hope, as we read in the Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter Six, Verse 19: 

“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul …” 

The anchor is impaled on the cross of Christ. Thus, the motto of the Congregation of Holy Cross: “Our hope is in the cross.” 

Rose 

The rose in the bottom left is for St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a great saint who aspired to be a “Little Flower” in God’s garden. Her “Little Way” has inspired millions of people over the last century, including Bishop Bill. 

The open door 

Finally, the open door on the right symbolizes Andre House, a place of hospitality for the poor and homeless in Phoenix where Bishop Bill served for seven years; it also represents the life and compassion of St. Andre Bessette, a Holy Cross brother who was known as “God’s Doorkeeper.” The open door also represents Christ’s invitation: “Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Mt 7:7) The design of the door is classic “American Christian,” depicting the cross on top and the Bible below.

Curved line

The curved line running down the middle of the shield represents the St. Joseph River, which bends to the south in Indiana and cuts through South Bend — Bishop Bill’s hometown. The color blue on the right side represents the Living Water promised by Jesus to those who ask for it. (Jn 4:10) Blue is also the traditional color of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother who leads us to her Son. The gold color on the left side complements the shield. In addition, the colors blue and gold are the colors of the University of Notre Dame, from which Bishop Bill graduated and where he completed formation to become a Holy Cross priest.

Motto: ‘Come. Follow me.’

The motto comes directly from the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It is the simple, yet profound, invitation from Our Lord to leave ourselves behind and become his disciples. It is also a bold statement from Bishop Bill to follow him as he follows Christ in the manner laid out by St. Paul, who wrote: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1) Rather than have the motto in all uppercase letters, it contains a combination of upper and lowercase letters to convey a gentle invitation, instead of a command.