The unit to which Pope Leo XIV already appealed in his first speech is a constant since he was appointed Bishop in November 2014. The motto of his Episcopal Shield is’YoNillo one unum‘(‘ In him, one is one ‘) … and reflects central issues of the theology and spirituality of San Agustínat the same time connected to heraldry iconography. The first part of the motto refers to the “Unity in God”, accentuated by San Agustín himself in works such as ‘La Trinidad’ and ‘City of God’, in which he referred to God as the source of all unity and truth. The second, ‘one unum’ (one is one), suggests that in God, each person finds his true identity and purpose, an echo of the Augustinian idea that the soul only finds fullness in communion with God. The motto is essentially linked to the Augustinian heraldry because it brings together the principles of unity, love and search of God that are central to the spirituality of St. Augustine.
Bishops have own heraldic shieldsknown as episcopal shields, which identify and reflect his spirituality or aspects of his life and diocese. They usually have common elements, such as an episcopal cross of a single crossbar behind the shield; A pre -latício hat and an episcopal motto, which reflects the mission or spirituality of the bishop.
It also contains different Personalized elementsthat in the case of the now Pope’s shield they are A lis flower and a heart pierced by an arrow on a book. This is an Augustinian emblem that symbolizes charity and spiritual growth. It represents the burning love of God and neighbor, with the arrow symbolizing the spirit that inspires faith and love, based on the spirituality of St. Augustine. The book also has reference in Agustina heraldry, and symbolizes knowledge. Lis flower, common in the Catholic heraldry, symbolizes the Virgin Maryand reflects the Marian devotion of the new Pope; Do not forget that Prevost was ordered Bishop on the day of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupeon the 12th of 2014.
The black background of the shield is not an aesthetic choice, it also has its meaning. The colors or enamels have symbolic meanings that reflect the identity, spirituality or mission of the bishop. A black background (known in heraldry as ‘saber’) must be interpreted, in the context of the Augustinian tradition and Christian symbology, as a symbol of humility, renunciation and penance. For an Augustinian bishop, a black background can symbolize the commitment to a life of simplicity and sacrifice, central values in the San Agustín rule, which, which He emphasizes community life and renunciation of selfishness. San Agustín, in its ‘confessions’, describes its path of conversion as a process of humility and repentance, which can be reflected in the choice of black as a background. This color can also be a tribute to the Black Augustinian tunic, which also symbolized its dedication to monastic life and its departure from mundane vanities.
The union of the motto and the heraldry elements seem to want Premost’s identity as Augustinian and his mission of promoting unity in faith, an issue that resonates both in his career and bishop and in his pontificate.
#episcopal #shield #Bishop #Robert #Francis #Prevost #declaration #Augustinian #principles
