Stephen Andrew Hero
STEPHEN ANDREW HERO
Born: December 19, 1969
Deceased:
Bishop of Prince Albert, 2021-present
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Origin/meaning
The shield is black which represents the infiniteness of the created universe, from the dark soil of the earth to the vast reaches of outer space. It is the mystery and mortality that confronts every one of us in our life as humans.
A gold saltire cuts across the dark shield as it does the life of every Christian. The saltire shape of the cross shows that Christ's Cross takes its own particular form in the life of each disciple. Bishop Hero's patron Saints, St. Stephen of Hungary and St. Andrew the Apostle, are both recalled by this saltire.
The two turtledoves refer to St. Joseph who made this offering of the poor in the temple at Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus (Lk 2:24). The use of silver or white for the doves represents Joseph's purity of faith, spiritual poverty, and loving obedience to God in this sacrifice as in his whole life. The doves also face inward toward the Cross. It is the loving sacrifice of Christ that fulfills every other. Disciples will find strength and meaning to carry their own Cross only by looking to Christ's. The reference to St. Joseph on the shield also recalls that Bishop Hero was born in the 'shadow' of St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal and spent sixteen years of his priesthood (nine years as Rector) at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton.
The upper and lower quadrants of the shield hold a total of twelve stars which refer to the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her assumption into heaven. The Church's Tradition identifies Our Lady as the woman with "a crown of twelve stars" (Rev 12: 1) and she is an image of the Church already in heaven.
Bishop Hero has selected for his episcopal motto the Latin words: Deus Solus or God Alone.
Literature: Diocese of Prince Albert
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