|
COAT OF ARMS OF BISHOP ROMAN DANYLAK
|
||
|
According to the traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches, the coat of arms of Bishop Roman Danylak is crowned by the Eastern bishop's mitre, the cross and the pastoral staff. It does not contain the triple-tasselled green pilgrim's hat, customary in the coat of arms of bishops of
the Roman rite.
The coat of arms is divided into three fields. The first longitudinal field on light blue background, symbolic of Divine Life and grace and purity, contains the principal elements of the Miraculous Medal given to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830 by the Blessed Virgin Mary. This section also embraces the flaming Sacred Heart of Jesus encircled by the crown of thorns and the Immaculate Heart of Mary transfixed by the sword, according to the prophecy of Simeon: "and a sword will pierce through your own soul, also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Lk. 2, 35). The two hearts are surmounted by the cross, the sign of the Tau, the seal of salvation upon the foreheads of those destined to eternal life (Ezech. 9,4-6; Apoc. 7,1-8), and the letter "M" for Mary. Strength and peace shall enter the spirits at the touch of this hand of the Mother of Life, the wellspring of salvation. The right panel is composed of two sections. The upper segment, on a magenta background, bears wings, the symbol of Saint Michael the Archangel, Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, who is called to defend in the battle against the forces of evil, with the two-edged sword of Truth. Saint Michael is the Patron of Kiev and of Ukraine, the spiritual homeland of the Bishop. The magenta field symbolizes the virtues of fortitude and courage in battle. The lower field on gold background, bears the green maple leaf of Canada and the trillium of Ontario, place of birth and of the pastoral care entrusted to Bishop Danylak. The trillium also calls forth the fleur-de-lis and the lily of the valley, the smallest yet most delicate flowers of God's creation, symbol of the preciousness, the beauty and the fragility of the human soul and spirit, to be nurtured with all tenderness and loving care. Finally, the motto in Ukrainian, "The Love of Christ", the love of the Father that so loved the world that He gave us His only Son for our salvation.( In Latin: AMOR CHRISTI )"The Love of Christ", were we to know its breadth, its height, its width; the love that is the Holy Spirit, the Gift the Father and the Son poured forth upon the Church. "The Love of Christ" that is the new commandment Christ has given to His Disciples and especially to those He calls to share in His mission of the Good Shepherd. |