Michael Joseph Fitzgerald

MICHAEL JOSEPH FITZGERALD

Born : May 23, 1948
Deceased :

Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, 2010-present; Titular Bishop of Tamallula

Official blazon

Argent a saltire gules on a chief engrailed sable a balance suspended from a cross pattee between two antique lamps argent enflamed Or.

Origin/meaning

The red saltire has been used as the coat of arms of a Fitzgerald family in Ireland since at least the 14th century, although the bishop's family has no right to use the symbol. The red saltire on a white field is also referred to as the Cross of Saint Patrick, and the Bishop uses it here to honor his Irish heritage.

The chiefThe central charge on the chief is a pair of scales, a familiar symbol of justice under the law. Bishop Fitzgerald has earned doctorates in both Civil and Canon Law, and has served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal, as the founding director of the Office for Legal Services, and in the roles of Promoter of Justice and Judicial Vicar.

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Literature : http://archphila.org/bishops_coa/bishopfitzgerald_coa.htm, 2010