Michael William Warfel

MICHAEL WILLIAM WARFEL

Born : September 16, 1948
Deceased :

Bishop of Juneau, 1996-2007
Bishop of Great Falls-Billings, 2007-present

Bishop of Juneau

Bishop of Great Falls-Billings

Official blazon

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 personal arms are composed of three sections that are gold, green and red. These are the colors of the national flag of Lithuania and by use of these colors, Bishop Warfel honors his heritage.

The red rose is used to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. By use of this rose, His Excellency expresses his deep devotion to Mary, our Mother, who will be and who is our protector and our guide.

The three silver mountains signify the city of Juneau. The mountains are significant because Juneau is land-locked with no way in or out except by air or by sea. The mariner's compass, which, like the stars in the arms of the Diocese, is the most important piece of equipment for any person in the outdoors, refers to the Bishop's favorite recreational activity, that of hiking and backpacking.

As one who enjoy; the outdoor world as much as Bishop Warfel, it is no wonder that he would select a phrase like "Always to Walk In Christ,' ' as his motto. In this phrase, the Bishop expresses deep belief that in all that we do, as we walk our path of life, we are to do so with Christ to guide us.