Jean Kockerols

JEAN KOCKEROLS

Born : August 13, 1958
Deceased :

Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen-Brussel, 2011-present; Titular bishop of Ieper

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The coat of arms symbolises various essential elements of the life of Mgr Kockerols, but which each have a secondary, spiritual meaning.

In the first quarter is the family coat of arms. The Kockerols family originated from Germany. Its coat of arms features two crossed bakers' (or brewers') shovels. This reminder of the family roots of the new bishop also shows his desire to work in collaboration. It is impossible to handle two shovels alone at the same time: the tools represented therefore symbolise joint work.

The hand in the second quarter refers to the coat of arms of Antwerpen, from which Mgr Kockerols originates. The outstretched hand also represents the will to go in search of the other. The iris is the symbol of the Brussels region. Bishop Kockerols is entrusted with the pastoral care of this important part of the archdiocese. The iris is also this surprising plant which, through its rhizomes, comes out of the ground and flowers where you least expect it. This is often the case with the Christian faith and the evangelical life.

The ship recalls on the one hand the work of Bishop Kockerols in the maritime sector, and on the other hand his commitment to the communities of L'Arche. But it is also the image of the Church, the boat of Peter, which advances at the breath of the Spirit, in tormented times. The boat covers the entire surface of the globe, discreetly drawn in green, the color of Hope. The new bishop likes to show the cheek of living “in the Church”.

The motto: “Beati invitati ad cenam Domini” is a well-known phrase from the liturgy of the Eucharist: "Blessed are the guests at the Lord's table", which precedes the moment of communion. The motto recalls the importance of the celebration of the Eucharist as "source and summit of Christian life" (Vatican Council II).

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