John Walter Flesey

JOHN WALTER FLESEY

Born: August 6, 1942
Deceased:

Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, 2004-2017; Titular Bishop of Allegheny

Official blazon
English	blazon wanted

Azure, a winged lion passant gardant, its forepaw on a book inscribed “Pax Tibi Marce, Evangelista Meus”, all or, with a nimbus argent; in base a crescent or; on a chief gules, a dove descending argent with a tri-radiant nimbus or and gules.

Origin/meaning

The principal colours are blue and red, which when combined with the charges upon the shield in white, recall the colours of the shield of the Archdiocese of Newark. A further connection with the Archdiocese is made by the insertion of the crescent at the base of the shield which represents Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the Archdiocese and Immaculate Conception Seminary where Bishop Flesey studied and taught for many years.

In the centre of the shield is the Lion of St. Mark, one of the four living creatures of the Book of Revelation (Revelation 4:7), which from earliest times has been associated with St. Mark, the author of the oldest Gospel. In this context, the Lion is drawn to recall the Lion on the coat-of-arms of Blessed Pope John XXIII who borrowed it from the City of Venice where he served as Patriarch (Archbishop). The Lion also recalls Bishop Flesey’s home parish, St. Aedan in Jersey City where the symbols of the Evangelists are carved on the façade.

The chief refers to Bishop Flesey’s doctorate in spirituality. It depicts the Holy Spirit descending with Wisdom and Grace fulfilling the promise of Jesus given to the Apostles that he would send the Spirit to instruct them in all Truth (John 16:13).

The motto “MY SPIRIT REJOICES” is taken from Mary’s Song of Praise, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46). In her Song, Mary gives praise to God for the wonders that he has worked in the world and in her own life. In recalling the moment when John the Baptist leapt for joy in the womb of his mother, St. Elizabeth, Bishop Flesey wishes to honour the Sisters of St. John the Baptist with whom he has served as colleague and friend for the past thirty-five years. In a sense, the Magnificat is the song of every Christian who has experienced the mighty power of God through the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Called to unity with the Lord Jesus, our spirit rejoices that he has saved us and set us free.

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