Luigi Antonio Secco

LUIGI ANTONIO SECCO

Born : June 8, 1947
Deceased :

Bishop of Willemstad, 2001-present

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The image of the Good Shepherd was taken from the catacombs of Rome and it signifies the goodness and the love of the shepherd for his sheep. The shepherd carries the lamb over his shoulders, meaning, like Jesus, the Bishop has to look out for those who are apart from God, those who are in danger, and those who are lost. The staff signifies guide and defense of the sheepfold. In the Gospels Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10, 7-16), and He left this task to His Apostles and Disciples; the bishop and the priests.

The monogramme symbolises St. Mary.

The Dividivi tree symbolizes the natural beauty of the islands of Antias and Aruba. There is also a spiritual meaning of this symbol. This tree has the ability to survive against the hot semi-arid climate of the region. It stays green all year round. The naturally bent posture is causes by the normally one-direction strong wind, yet it never cracks or fall. This is what Catholic-Christian life should be; even if we experience many trials in life, our faith should stay alive strong and firm, we may “bent” but not fall and lost.

The stars are actually starfish and represent the six islands comprising the territory of the Diocese of Willemstad namely; Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

The sky, the sea, and the beach are the three natural elements which characterizes the beauty of the islands so much so that people from other nations come to enjoy these God-given gifts. The service that our people offer to these visitors become the source of income for families.

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