Monday, March 18, 2013

"Pitiable and yet Chosen"

Pope Francis' papal coat of arms:
It has the three-tiered miter on top - the hat worn by the Bishop of Rome
The gold and silver keys of St. Peter (Mt. 16)
The white pallium with 3 red crosses - worn over vestments by bishops
The crest: IHS - Iesus Salvator Hominum = Jesus the Savior of Mankind with the golden sun behind and 3 nails symbolizing the Cross
The white star: symbol of Mary, Star of the Sea
The flowering of grapes: one of the traditional symbols of St. Joseph
In sum: Jesus, Mary and Joseph = the Holy Family
Latin Motto: "Pitiable and yet Chosen" - mankind is pitiable and yet chosen/elected by God for salvation.

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