John Carroll

JOHN CARROLL

Born : January 8, 1735
Deceased : December 3, 1815

Bishop of Baltimore, 1784-1808
Archbishop of Baltimore, 1808-1815

Official blazon

Impaled. Dexter: Argent, two lions combatant gules supporting a sword of the first hilted and pomelled or (Carroll); Sinister: Purpure, the Blessed Virgin crowned and holding the Divine Child surrounded by an orle of thirteen mullets (stars), beneath her feet two keys crossed in saltire, the one in bend argent, the other in bend sinister or (Baltimore).
Motto: Ne derelinquas nos Domine Deus Noster

Origin/meaning

The first impalement bears the arms of the Carroll family; the second is for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The Blessed Virgin is depicted as Patroness of the United States, the thirteen stars represent the Thirteen Original States of the United States of America; the two keys in saltire are in honor of St. Peter, because the church which was his pro-Cathedral was dedicated to this Apostle.

Blazon of the Carroll or O'Carroll family of Ireland: Sable, two lions rampant combatant or armed and langued gules, supporting a sword point upwards proper pommel and hilt of the first.

The motto is taken from Psalm 37, verse 22l and is translated as "Forsake us not, O Lord, my God, stay not far from me."