David Arias Pérez

DAVID ARIAS PÉREZ

Born : July 22, 1929
Deceased : May 9, 2019

Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, 1983-2004; Titular Bishop of Badiae

Origin/meaning

The traditional shape of the shield and its division into three part are taken from the arms of a Spanish Arias family (not related to the Bishop though). On these traditional features are placed the symbols of particular significance to the bishop.

The red tower signiefies the Blessed Mother in the biblical symbol of the Tower of Babel. By using this symbol, Bishop Arias pays particular honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his patron name David. The use of the colors of red and gold further honors his Spanish heritage and that of his parents, Atanasio and Magdalena.

The red lion rampant, crowned with a gold diadem represents, together with the castle, the ancient kingdom of [Castilla y León]] in Spain where the bishop was born.

The flaming heart, pierced by the dart of divine love on an open book, is the symbol of the Augustinian Recollect Order to which His Excellency belongs. This signifies love and knowledge. The red cross in its peculiar shape is the cross used by the pilgrims, who for centuries have traveled from many nations to visit the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This cross has been adopted as the special identification of the Cursillo movement in which Bishop Arias has been involved for many years.

The boat at sail represents the caravelles, the Pinta, the Niña, and the Santa Maria, the ships on which sailed Columbus to the New World. It additionally represents the Church, which is always symbolized by a boat at sail on a stormy sea. The waves in the chief signify the waters of Baptism by which each of us is initiated into the life of Christ. The number of lines (seven) represents the seven sacraments.

For his motto, Bishop Arias selected the Latin phrase, Pascere populum suum, "To shepherd His people." Taken from Psalm 78:70-72, which reads, in part, "He chose David his servant to shepherd His people." These words have a particular significance for Bishop Arias because of their contents. In the Jewish Scriptures, God chose David, His servant, to shepherd His people.

The shield is completed by the external ornaments, which include a gold processional cross that extends above and below the shield, and a green pontifical hat, the gallero, with its six green tassels in three rows on either side of the shield. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by the instruction of the Holy See of March 31, 1969.

Literature:

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