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I was commissioned to design and execute the coat of arms of the new Bishop of Erie, PA, the Most Rev. Lawrence Persico, who will be ordained a bishop and installed as Bishop of Erie on Monday, October 1. (NOTE: I did not design the arms of the Diocese of Erie.)
An embattled fess appears in the coat of arms of the diocese of Greensburg in which the bishop was born and raised, as well as attended seminary, was ordained and served all of his priestly ministry so far. The green embattled fess suggests the name green-burg (city) and so alludes to the bishop’s native diocese. Above this bar we see a green peach tree. The family name Persico is derived from the same word for peach tree in Italian. So, the tree serves as a symbol of the bishop’s family and ethnic heritage. In addition, it alludes to the tree of life, a symbol for Christ as well as for the Church itself. In base the black gridiron is a symbol of St. Lawrence who suffered martyrdom by being roasted alive by his persecutors. Famously, while never flinching in the face of suffering for the sake of Christ he taunted them by exclaiming, “I’m done on this side now turn me over!” With this symbol the bishop commemorates his baptismal patron saint.
These three symbols also reflect on the bishops under whom Bishop Persico has served in his years of priestly ministry. The coat of arms of Bishop William Connare, who ordained Bishop Persico to the priesthood and sent him for further study in Canon Law, contained an embattled fess. The coat of arms of Bishop Anthony Bosco whom Bishop Persico assisted as MC, and Chancellor contained a tree. The coat of arms of Bishop Lawrence Brandt whom Bishop Persico served as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia contains a gridiron since he, too, has St. Lawrence as a patron saint. With the three main elements of his own coat of arms Bishop Persico also remembers the three bishops under whom his whole priestly ministry has taken place.
Excellent on both sides of the shield—even if Fr. Guy didn’t design the diocesan arms, they look like he could have.
I agree with Joseph - both side are quite excellent, especially for American Catholic heraldry.
Kudos to the Rev. Fr. Guy!
Well done Father Guy - thoughtfully created and aesthetically pleasing as ever.
Your designs and not least, rationales, are always a pleasure Fr. Guy.
Very thoughtfully and well designed.
To modify my usual assessment of most clerical arms—in this case, "We’ve seldom seen better!"
Nice job!
The first thing I noticed was the emblazon and how heraldically pleasant the personal arms are! Then ... I read that Fr. Guy designed them! Double-Wow!
Great job, Father.
—Guy
Very, very fine!
Well done, Father Guy—perhaps I’ll have the opportunity to see them in use next time I’m home!
