The Most Reverend Michael Martin OFM Conv., installed as Bishop of Charlotte on May 30, enlisted the help of a former student in designing his coat of arms. Brian Taberski, currently an education professor at Seattle University, was a student of then-Father Martin’s theology class at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York.
The coat of arms reflects Bishop Martin’s faith and personal history. The Franciscan coat of arms – Tau Cross and the arms of Christ and St. Francis bearing the stigmata – is featured in the right center of the shield. Also on the right-hand side are symbols of Maryland, Bishop Martin’s birth state. On the left side of the shield are two symbols of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Behind the shield is a gold San Damiano Cross representing the cross from which St. Francis heard Jesus tell him, “Francis, go rebuild my Church for it is falling into ruins.” At first, Francis took this literally and began to repair the church building itself. As others began to join him in repairing churches, Francis came to realize that their service should extend to others who had special needs, such as the lepers who lived nearby. Their work to rebuild the Church would come through preaching repentance, and the message of Christ’s love and peace.
You can learn much more about the coat of arms from the Catholic News Herald article ‘Bishop Martin’s coat of arms harkens to his background.’
