Traditionally in the Church most bishops and the Pope have a personal
Coat of Arms.
Originally used to mark or seal documents they now serve
to identify people and dioceses.
They often reflect the story of a
Bishop's ministry or express his hopes for the future.
In preparation
for his episcopal ordination, which will take place on September 25th,
Bishop-Elect Fintan has prepared his personal Coat of Arms and Motto.
The Bishop-Elect’s Coat of arms consists of: on the left hand side,
the ancient arms of the Diocese of Killaloe, and on the right, the
personal coat of arms, chosen by the bishop himself.
The arms of the Diocese consist of a Latin cross between four
trefoils with the emblem of the key occupying the chief position. The
arms connote the guardianship of Christ’s Kingdom, with special
reference to St. Peter.
The personal dimension of the new Bishop’s Coat of Arms represents
his origins and ministry. It consists mainly of the Monahan family Coat
of Arms with representations of faith, generosity and protection.
The three mullets (the term mullet in heraldry refers to a
star with straight sides, typically having five points) wish to recall
the three figures of the apparition of Knock; Our Lady, St. John the
Evangelist and St. Joseph.
The arms also include the broken chariot wheel of St. Jarlath which
represents the new Bishop’s priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Tuam
and long association with St. Jarlath’s College prior to his
appointment as Bishop of Killaloe.
The Coat of Arms is surmounted by the Galero which was originally a pilgrim’s hat and is ornamented by twelve tassels called fiocchi.
These words are taken from Lúireach Phádraig, (St. Patrick’s Breastplate), a 5th Century Irish Hymn whose lyrics were traditionally attributed to St. Patrick and his ministry.
The words reflect Bishop Fintan’s prayer and hope for his ministry as Bishop of Killaloe.