Karel Choennie

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KAREL CHOENNIE

Born : December 20, 1958
Deceased :

Bishop of Paramaribo, 2015-present

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The colors in the shield refer to the Surinamese flag and, in addition to the meaning they have in the flag, symbolize ecclesiastical symbolism. Green stands for fertility and hope. Yellow stands for the future and faith, red for the acts of love and white for peace and harmony.

The three circles are taken from the arms of Monsignor Zichem and are interlocking to denote the unity of our people in diversity.

The palm tree on the water was taken from the arms of Monsignor de Bekker with the reference to Psalm 1, planted like a tree on the water. The palm symbolizes victory after battle. The water is the sea that separates us from and connects us with the rest of the world. This also recalls the diversity of origins from the different peoples, races and languages that together form the Surinamese nation. The palm tree also refers to Batavia, where the blessed. Petrus Donders made himself a neighbor for the lepers in their bitter destiny, and thus became a living example of what Christ's words: "Love the Lord and the neighbor," mean.

The sun is high in the sky as a sign of Christ, who is the sun of righteousness (Lk. 1,78 as a fulfillment of the messianic prophecy of Malachi 3,20).

The dove refers to justice and peace, two constant themes in the Bible. Peace is the fruit of justice. The dove symbolizes that peace and also refers to the covenant with Noah. But above all the Holy Spirit is symbolized by the dove. The Spirit that sets us on fire so that we can enthusiastically proclaim the gospel.

The double "M" stands for Mary, mother of Mercy, "Mater Misericordiae." This title of Mary can be translated in two ways: Mother of the Merciful and Mother of Mercy. The Hebrew word for mercy is closely related to the word for womb. Mercy is tender and caring love. Christ's mission is: "Be merciful just as your heavenly Father is merciful" (Mt 5:48).