Thomas Dowd
Born: September 11, 1970 Auxiliary Bishop of Montréal, 2011-present |
English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
The green and gold colours are derived from the colours of a Dowd family and used here to symbolise the last name of the bishop. Green, in particular, is the colour of hope, a virtue that is at the core of spirituality. Gold represents the glory of God and of heaven, a glory to hope to witness and share in some day.
The sun is inspired by the title given to Christ of "Sun of Justice," as found in this quote from the prophet Malachi when speaking of the coming Day of the Lord: "But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays' (chapter 3, verse 20).
The bend sinister has the same basic shape as a deacon's stole. It represents the fact that all bishops and priests were first ordained as deacons, and are called to serve and not be served.
The special horn is actually a shofar, a trumpet traditionally made from the horn of a ram. This musical instrument is meant to announce the glory of God. As well, these sorts of instruments are symbolic of communication at a distance, and so it expresses interest in media and other means of social communications.
The motto, Cor et anima una (One heart and soul) is taken from a description of the early Christian community found in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 4, verse 32). Unity has been a core theme of my own spiritual life for many years.
Literature: http://www.diocesemontreal.org
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