The Most Reverend Earl Fernandes, S.T.D.
Description of the Coat of Arms Thirteenth Bishop of Columbus BY BISHOP-ELECT EARL K. FERNANDES
Green hat represents patriarchs, including bishops, with 12 attached tassels, six on each side with one on top, two below it, then three below the two.
A botonny processional cross, which has five red gemstones to represent the Five Wounds of Christ.
The cross also represents the bishop’s rank, “impaled” (vertically) behind the shield.
left side* Bishop Fernandes’ Personal Coat of Arms
right side*
The chevron is a heraldic device best described as an inverted “V” and is one of the most ancient figures in heraldry. It frequently signifies the rafter that supports the church’s roof; thus, it symbolizes protection.
Diocese of Columbus’ Coat of Arms The ancient sailing ship in silver/white with the letter M in red on its sail represents the Santa Maria, which brought Christopher Columbus to the New World. Bishop Fernandes’ See City was named for Columbus in 1812.
For his episcopal motto, Bishop Fernandes chose words from a famous short prayer by the Servant of God, Monsignor Luigi Giussani: “Veni Sancte Spiritus, veni per Mariam” (“Come Holy Spirit, come through Mary”).
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Scallop shells, which also appear on the Fernandes family crest and symbolize the Church’s pilgrimage on earth. The three shells recall the Holy Trinity and baptism, by which people are immersed in the life of the Triune God.
*In heraldry, right and left are exchanged from the observer’s point of view since it is customary to consider the right and left side from the soldier’s perspective as he holds his own shield.
The plough inspires a sentiment of peace, serenity and good and laborious work amid the beauty of creation.
