Symbolism

The upper one-third of the design, heraldically known as “the chief”, is divided into two portions. On the right side is a blue field with a silver crescent surrounded by a scattering of twelve gold stars. This symbolism is emblematic of Our Blessed Lady in her title of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the North American College, in Rome, where Bishop Mulhall completed his formation for priestly ordination. On the left is green with three gold stars. This symbolism is taken from the Mulhall family arms. In the major section across the centre is a representation of the heraldic fur ermine, which is a representation of the Hickey family arms. Through the use of these symbmols, His Excellency acknowledges the heritage that has come to him from his parents, Vernon and Maureen Mulhall.

The Bishop’s home diocese of Peterborough is represented in the lower left by the blue field with the inverted Latin cross (Saint Peter), and to the right the green field with the peace dove standing upon the gold sword represents the Diocese of Pembroke (Saint Columbkille).

Bishop Mullhall’s motto is “Fiduciam habemus apud Deum” — “We have confidence before God”, the confidence of adoption. Jesus, the Son and Word, who was with God from eternity (John 1.1) has won for us the confidence of friendship before God our creator.

Reference:

• www.pembrokediocese.com