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Manila archdiocese unveils Cardinal Advincula's coat of arms

By Ferdinand Patinio

June 7, 2021, 6:22 pm

<p><em>(Photo from Manila Cathedral Facebook page)</em></p>

(Photo from Manila Cathedral Facebook page)

MANILA – The official coat of arms of incoming Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has been released.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the chancery of the Archdiocese of Manila released the emblem of the Cardinal who is set to be installed on June 24.

“As we anticipate the installation of our new Archbishop, let us learn the meanings of the symbols that pertain to his life and ministry as a shepherd in our local church,” the archdiocese said.

Advicula’s coat of arms has many symbols and signs, including a cross, gold crescent moon, stars, that are part of his life.

According to the archdiocese, the Archbishop’s Cross is styled as a Dominican Cross.

Advincula was educated early on by the Dominican Sisters at St. Martin Academy. He also finished his theological studies at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. He earned his licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy.

Also, included is the motto of the Cardinal, Audiam, (I will listen), which is derived from the response of the young Samuel to the call of God, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10.

It added that the left side of the shield depicts the ecclesiastical arms of the Metropolitan See of Manila.

The post said the Carpenter’s Square symbolizes St. Joseph, the namesake of the Cardinal and his personal patron saint.

The lily over the blue background represented the filial devotion of the Cardinal to the Virgin Mary, especially in her title 'Queen of the Most Holy Rosary'.

The chain of nine links represents the Cardinal’s surname, Advincula, which derived from the Latin phrase ‘ad vincula’ or "fettered with chains".

The gold background renews the meaning of chains from servitude to servanthood.

The archdiocese also said the horse of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of soldiers, represents the parish and town of Dumalag.

The mountain with strips of limestone formation depicts Mt. Panginraon in the town of Dumalag, Capiz, the Cardinal’s birthplace.

The five-pointed star is a pre-eminent symbol for the virtue of faith and of De La Salle University-Manila where the Cardinal finished his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Lastly, the Gold Crescent Moon symbolizes the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, the titular patroness of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz.

Advincula will be the 33rd Archbishop of Manila, which is home to around 3 million Catholics. (PNA)

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