Blase Joseph Cupich
' BLASE JOSEPH CUPICH 'Born: March 19, 1949
Deceased:
Bishop of Rapid City, 1998-2010
Bishop of Spokane, 2010-2014
Archbishop of Chicago, 2014-present
Cardinal : 2016
 Bishop of Rapid City |
 Bishop of Spokane |
 Archbishop of Chicago |
 Cardinal |
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
As common in US episcopal heraldry, the arms show the arms of the diocese impaled with the personal arms of the bishop.
The golden ring taken from the arms of the Diocese of Rapid City and expresses the bishop's appreciation for the blessings received there, especially those which come to the Church from rural life and Native American culture, traits also found in his new diocese. The green field recognizes those who live and work in the vast expanse of ranch and farm lands. The gold circle, the sacred circle, honors the Native American people and their belief that all things in life and in nature are interdependent. Like a circle, which has no beginning and no end, life is one. Each part of creation works with all the other parts to comprise this unity, as is the case with the Church; though many parts, we are all one Body. (Romans 12:5)
The wavy white bar is also taken from the arms of the Diocese of Rapid City. It represents here the Missouri river, which serves as the eastern border for both his former diocese and his diocese of origin, the Archdiocese of Omaha.
The bishop's crosier and two crossed candles honor the Bishop's baptismal patron, St. Blase, on whose feast day the Church blesses throats with candles. They are positioned so that, with the crosier, they form a Chi-Rho (XP), the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. The blue field honors Mary, "the parting gift of Christ" to the Church. (Preface, "Mary, Mother of the Church")
Using the Chi-Rho works well with the motto which Bishop Cupich has chosen. "Peace be with you" were the first words of the Risen Christ to his disciples. They are also the first words a bishop speaks to the assembly when he presides at liturgical celebrations. With this motto Bishop Cupicl1 states that all his ministry as bishop has meaning through and in the peace of Christ.
Bishop Cupich changed his arms when transferred from Spokane to Chicago. The meaning of the base in the new arms I do not know.
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