Bishop Gerard Battersby Coat of Arms

The yellow/gold shield represented in Bishop Battersby’s coat of arms is divided by a bold “Cross Soutoir” (i.e., “stirrup” owing to the triangular areas of the design.) Red indicates valor. The other components of the cross are fur pelts, which are signified by the little black tail-tips accompanied by three black dots that represent the fastenings by which the pelts would have been attached onto a shield.

At the top of the shield is a Celtic processional cross meant to honor Bishop Battersby’s Irish heritage. It is shaped like a traditional cross but with a ring, representing the sun, around the intersection of the stem and arms. The whole cross is decorated with ornate Gaelic patterns.

At the honor point of Bishop Battersby’s Coat of Arms is a wounded heart. This signifies his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It also pays tribute to Sacred Heart Major Seminary where he prepared for the priesthood and at which he served as vice-rector and dean of seminarian formation at the time he was called to the episcopacy.

The antlers represent strength, power and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defense for the animals that possess them.

Grounding the bishop’s Coat of Arms in the base point is a lily in full bloom. This represents the Blessed Virgin Mary and the trust and confidence that Bishop Battersby has in her intercession and protection.

Battersby’s motto—In Sinu Patris—The longer version is found in the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 1, verse 18, which reads, “Deum nemo vidit umquam; unigenitus Deus, qui est in sinum Patris, ipse enarravit.” In translation: “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God who is at the Father’s side has revealed him."