The Coat of Arms of
The Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, D.D.
Titular Bishop of Siminina
Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Philadelphia

Blazon:
Azure; between an open hand to dexter and fleur-de-lis to sinister, both Argent; on a pale Sable, fimbriated of the second, to chief a plate, charged with a cross Guies, and in base, an open volume, edged Or, charged with an Alpha and an Omega of the fourth.

Significance:
The Episcopal heraldic achievement, or as it is more commonly know, the bishop’s coat of arms, is composed of a shield, with its charges (symbols), a motto scroll and the external ornaments. The shield, which is the central and most important feature of any heraldic device, is described (blazoned) in 12th century terms, that are archaic to our modern language and this description is done as if being given by the bearer with the shield being worn on the arm. Thus, where it applies, the terms dexter and sinister are reversed as the device is viewed from the front.

For his personal arms, His Excellency, Bishop Maginnis has selected a design that reflects his heritage and his life as a priest and now as a bishop.

The background of the shield, known as the field, is blue and on this field are placed a silver hand, to signify service, and a silver fleur-de-lis, to honor the Blessed Mother. Up the center of the field is a black road, outlined in silver, to make it stand out from the blue background field.

The black pale is use to signify the “Road to Emmaus” and is the first clear proof of how the disciples found Christ, mainly in the Breaking of the Bread. On this road, are a host (silver charged with a red cross) and an open book, (silver edged in gold and charged with a red alpha and omega.)

The Bishop’s Motto, “ STAY WITH US, LORD,” is taken from the Emmaus story in Luke’s Gospel, (Luke 24:29) and is used to signify the twenty one years that Bishop Maginnis has spent in youth ministry. The motto expresses the goal and the aim of all young people and of the Bishop, that the Lord, in His Grace, and His Love, in His Word and in His Sacraments will stay with us all our lives.

This device is completed with the external ornaments which are a gold processional cross, which is placed in back of the shield and which extends above and below the shield, and a pontifical hat, called a "gallero," with its six tassels, in three rows, on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by instruction of the Holy See of March 31, 1969.

by Deacon Paul J. Sullivan

N.B.: The author and designer respectfully requests appropriate acknowledgement for the public use of these efforts. Rev. Mr. Sullivan is a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Provi