Bernard Ferdinand Popp

BERNARD FERDINAND POPP

Born : December 6, 1917
Deceased : June 27, 2014

Auxiliary BishopSan Antonio, 1983-1993; Titular Bishop of Capsus

Official blazon

Gules, in chief a sheaf of wheat fold, a fesse wavy silver, in base vert dexter a star silver, sinister a lion rampant gold tongued gules.

Origin/meaning

The red chief displays a sheaf of wheat in gold; in this, Bishop Popp proclaims his desire to be of service to the people, especially to the poor and those in need. Red is the color of love, sacrifice, and zeal, while the sheaf of wheat stands for fertility, growth and harvest. Wheat associated with bread is a symbol of gift and giving, as well as fellowship, as in the breaking of bread together. A traditional symbol of the Eucharist, wheat here recalls Jesus present in the bread and points to Bishop Popp's commitment of bringing Jesus to the people as their spiritual food.

The bend is a symbol of the city of San Antonio with the river winding through; it names the place of Bishop Popp's priestly service in the parishes in the city, including St. Agnes, St. Joseph's, St. Patrick's, St. Mary Madgalen's as founding pastor of Holy Spirit parish, and at St. Paul's.

The green base stands for the virtue of hope and names the town of Nada, the birthplace and hometown of the Bishop. The name Nada in Czech means "hope."

The silver star is the Lone Star of Texas, a symbol incorporated by many Texas Bishops in their coats of arms. The star stands for illumination, leadership and holiness. The gold lion is taken from the arms of St. Ferdinand, King of Spain, after whom the San Fernando Cathedral is named.

The lion is a traditional symbol of strength, courage and generosity, and here, in connection with the Cathedral, refers to the important part the Cathedral has played in the ministry of the Bishop: the place where he was ordained a priest, and now, a bishop, the church where he served as pastor and rector, the center of his various ministries to those in jail, the homeless, the sick and elderly. The Bishop's middle name is Ferdinand, placing him under the special patronage of the saint.

To complete the achievement of arms in place of the usual crown, an Episcopal hat in green and for the mantling, the double six-tassles of a bishop. A Tau cross in gold forms the hilt of the sword behind the shield. The Tau cross is the cross of St. Anthony, taken from the shield of the Archdiocese of San Antonio; it is a reminder of Bishop Popp's origins and plac of service as priest and Bishop.

The motto, 'To God in Love" expresses Bishop Popp's desire to bring tlie people under his care "to God, in an active way, in love."

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