Thomas Francis Doran

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THOMAS FRANCIS DORAN

Born : October 4, 1856
Deceased : January 3, 1916

Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, 1915-1916

Official blazon

Quarterly: I. Gules, Cross anchree or. 2. Azure, a chevron ermine accompanied by three stars argent. 3. Fleur-de-lis argent, of the second. 4. Vert, anchor or.

Origin/meaning

The Cross is the symbol of faith; the gold is to indicate that this faith is intimately bound up with "hope", of which the anchor form is emblematic. The field is red to suggest that this faith is anchored in the blood of the Martyrs of Christ.

The second quarter represents the name of the bishop and is taken from the arms of an Irish Doran family. The three stars indicate the perfection (number three) in an azure field symbolizing heaven.

The fleur-de-lys is emblematic of purity, and in particular of devotion to St. Joseph, whom the Bishop has served as interpreter, and as guardian of the Divine Child during the years not only of his priesthood but in particular of his pastorate of St. Joseph's congregation.

The anchor is taken from the arms of the State of Rhode Island and the former Plantation of Providence. It indicates the territorial jurisdiction of the Bishop Auxiliary, as well as loyalty to the State. Incidentally it also suggests his attachments to Bishop [Matthew Harkins]] whom he aids, and whose coat of arms bears in its motto the devise of hope: "Spes unica et praemium ".

The motto: " In Deo spes-anchora vitae " is taken from the Irish Doran family coat, which reads "Spes anchora vitae", to which the " In Deo " is prefixed to distinguish the arms of the bishop from those of the (non related) family.