The episcopal coat of arms chosen for this sacred moment expresses, in visual form, the heart of the Gospel and the mission entrusted to a bishop as shepherd of God’s people.
Flaming Heart
At the center of the shield is the Flaming Heart, a powerful sign of the love of God that precedes all human effort. This heart proclaims that God first loved us and continues to love us faithfully, even in our weakness. From this divine love flows the Church’s call to defend the dignity of every human person, to stand with the poor and marginalized, and to serve without discrimination. In a special way, this symbol echoes the witness of Saint Peter Claver, patron of the Diocese of Jasikan, who became an apostle to enslaved people, motivated solely by his imitation of Christ. To love God while hating a neighbor is a contradiction.
The Dove
Above, in the upper right field, is the Dove, descending with wings outstretched. The dove represents the Holy Spirit, God’s gift of love poured into our hearts. It recalls the teaching of Saint Paul that without love, even faith, sacrifice, and heroic deeds are empty. The Spirit forms within the Church a love that is patient and kind, enduring all things, and never failing. The presence of the dove reminds the bishop and the faithful alike that all pastoral ministry must be guided, sustained, and purified by divine love above all else.
Flowing a River
In the lower right field flows a River, symbolising the Oti River, which represents the people of the Oti Region, whose geopolitical boundaries coincide with those of the Diocese of Jasikan. The Diocese is home to many people, languages, cultures, traditions and religious expressions. Through Christian love, these differences can be transformed into unity, growth, and hope. This symbol affirms the bishop’s mission to be a sign of unity, walking with the people, listening to their joys and struggles, and guiding them toward peace and salvation in Christ.
The green banks of the river extend our imagination to the hope, restoration and nourishment conveyed in Ezekiel’s vision of everlasting green and fertile vegetation on the banks of the river flowing from the temple that symbolizes God’s gift of healing, nourishment and restoration of life.
Episcopal Cross
Behind the shield stands the episcopal cross, reminding all that the bishop’s authority is rooted in the Cross of Christ. It is not a sign of power, but of self-giving love, sacrifice, and faithful service.
Above the shield rests a hat with a connecting rope of six tassels on either side of the crest (the green galero), a traditional sign of the bishop’s office, symbolising hope, spiritual fruitfulness, and pastoral responsibility.
Motto: DEUS CARITAS EST – God is Love
Beneath the shield appears the motto: DEUS CARITAS EST – God is Love (1 John 4:7). These words reveal the theological foundation of the entire coat of arms. They proclaim that God’s love is made known in Christ, poured out by the Holy Spirit, and lived daily among the people of God. This truth is the source, guide, and goal of the bishop’s ministry.
Together, these symbols form a single proclamation of faith – that the Church is born of God’s love, sustained by the Spirit, and sent to serve all people, So that the world may believe and live in hope.
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