“Charity in Truth: Bishop Constantine Rupiny of Nebbi Reveals Inspiring Coat of Arms”
This image depicts the coat of arms of a newly Consecrated and Installed Bishop Constantine Rupiny of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, which is rich in symbolism and personal significance.
What does a Bishop’s coat of arms do?
The coat of arms is the emblem of the Bishop, which is used on letterheads, documents and other official publications. It consists of a shield bearing symbols representing the person for whom it was conceived. Around it, elements indicate his dignity, rank, title, jurisdiction and more. A scroll or banner on which is inscribed a motto or guiding principle usually sits beneath the shield.
Bishop Constantine sits on a Cathedra ,and a Coat of Arms is seen marked behind on the Cathedra
Here’s a breakdown of the elements:
Shield:
The shield is divided into four sections, each with its own symbolism:
Top Left (Red): Features the Chi-Rho symbol (XP), one of the earliest forms of christogram, representing Christ.
Top Right (Blue): Shows the letters “M” and “A” intertwined, which typically stand for “Maria” (Mary), indicating devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Bottom Left (Yellow): Displays a flame, which could symbolize the Holy Spirit, enlightenment, or divine presence.
Bottom Right (Yellow): Shows a handshake, representing unity, agreement, or charity among people.
Galero (Hat):
The green ecclesiastical hat (galero) with six tassels on each side signifies the rank of a Bishop. The green color is traditionally associated with bishops in the Catholic Church.
Cross:
Behind the shield, there is a patriarchal cross, which is a symbol of the bishop’s authority and his role as a shepherd of the faithful.
Motto:
Below the shield, the motto “CHARITY IN TRUTH” is displayed. This phrase emphasizes the bishop’s commitment to living out charity (love) grounded in truth, reflecting Catholic social teaching principles.