Coat of Arms
Patron Saint of Aitape Diocese: St. Ignatius of Antioch
Attributes of St. Ignatius of Antioch, or his rather most common depiction on Icons, is as a bishop surrounded by lions.
1. The bishop is symbolized by Miter and Crosier.
2. The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are the centre of the history of salvation.
3. The lions holding a crosier refer to St. Ignatius of Antioch, Patron of the Diocese.
4. Sitting lions hold a Crosier that rises from the sea and the green land symbolizes the islands and the coast lines.
5. The Book with Alpha and Omega refers to the Word of God that gives life to those who believe and live by it.
6. The primary colors of the coat of arms are derived from the colors of the flag of Sandaun Province. Blue symbol of the Virgin Mary, the sky, the sea, islands and coast lines. Green represents growth and the forested highlands. White and Gold are symbols of purity and joy as a result of faith. Red is the symbol of the Blood of Christ.
7. “Thy Kingdome Come” is the goal of the Diocese of Aitape.
Understanding the Coat of Arms
Cross: The Cross represents the sacrifice of Jesus. Our life as Christians and still more as priests and Bishops is to be a sharing in the death and resurrection of Christ.
Sacred Host: The Sacred Host represents Jesus in the Eucharist, the centre of our life. The Sacred Host has the Christological monogram at its centre. I.H.S. has been one of the symbols for Jesus Christ from the earliest days of the Church at Rome. The monogram stands for Iesus Hominum Salvator, which means, Jesus, Saviour of Mankind. The letter H is crowned by a cross. Beneath the letters are three nails.
Letter M: The letter M and the crown stand for Mary, Queen of Apostles, patroness of the Heralds of Good News, the religious community of the Bishop. With confidence in her unfailing help and protection the Bishop entrusts to Mary, Queen of Apostles, the future of the Diocese of Aitape.
Washing of the Feet: Washing of the feet symbolizes a commitment to service. This is faith and love in action, following the example of Christ. The concept is also associated to the logo of St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News.
The Radiant Sun and the Waves: The radiant sun which surrounds the Sacred Host is depicted as though it sets in the sea. This symbolizes the Diocese of Aitape in Sandaun Province, located in the west of the country, where the sun sets.
Colours:
Blue – Symbol of the Virgin Mary, the sky, the sea, islands and coast lines.
Green – Represents growth and the forested highlands.
White and Gold – Symbols of purity and joy as a result of faith.
Red – Symbol of the Blood of Christ.
Motto: Caritas Christi Urget Nos.
It means “the love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14). (Laik bilong Krais i kirapim mipela long wok.)The motto is to be strengthened in the faith and experience of the infinite and forgiving love of Christ for us and that we love him in return with all our heart. The love of Christ is the driving force of the life and ministry of the Bishop.