A Coat of Arms is traditional in heraldry. Symbols are placed on a shield which is often surrounded by distinctive markings to denote the occupation of the person and in this manner personal recognition is afforded. It is customary in the Church for each bishop to have his own Coat of Arms. As the distinctive mark of his office an archbishop has a hat, cords and twenty tassels placed around his shield. These are all in green. In addition there is a cross behind the shield with two cross bars.

Looking at Archbishop Harris’ shield we see that it is divided into three.

The upper third bears the crest of the religious Congregation to which the Archbishop belongs; The Congregation of the Holy Ghost under the protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is the Dove hovering over the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by a sword according to the words spoken to Mary by the blessed Simeon in the temple when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be presented. The red background reminds us of the Holy Spirit who puts the desire to witness into our hearts.

The second segment bears a chalice and host surrounded by two white lilies on a green background. The chalice and host is the symbol of the Eucharistic people that we are, a people consecrated to be Church whose vocation is to be an agent of the harmony which was God’s primordial gift and is God’s desire for humanity. Eucharist is the source and sign of this harmony. The two white lilies symbolise St Joseph who is protector of the universal Church and after whom the archbishop is named. The green background of this segment represents the hope that Trinidad and Tobago can indeed arrive at the harmony which Eucharist represents.

The third segment bears three celebratory percussion instruments, the steel-pan, the drum and a pair of maracas (chac chacs). These percussion instruments represent the universal celebration of life among all peoples here in Trinidad and Tobago. They are symbols of the harmony that reigns to a great extent among our people. They also represent the cultural synergy which is emerging through music and which is a harbinger of the unity in diversity which the Trinity (Trinidad), the triune God, proclaims. The yellow, with the red and green are three of the colours of the rainbow reminding us that we are not yet a rainbow people but that we are on the way to being one.

The motto which the coat of arms carries; “Do this in Memory of Me” is meant to remind the Archbishop and all others that everything which is done must be done in imitation of Christ who was lifted up on high so as to gather all who were scattered.

Reference:

• www.catholicnews-tt.net