The Coat of Arms of the Most Rev.

ROMEO DUETAO CONVOCAR

Bishop of Chalan Kanoa

 BLASON

Dexter side (Dimidiated coat of arms of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa):

Party per fess, in Chief Azure, a pile reverse with a cross pattée issuant from its apex, all Brunatre, in chief a coronet Or surmounting the cross pattée; over all, three stars Argent, two in chief and one in base; In base of the third a haligi (latte stone) proper atop a mound Vert issuant from a barry wavy of seven Azure and Argent.

Sinister side (Personal coat of arms of Bishop Romeo Duetao Convocar): 

Gules, a wounded Paschal Lamb Argent passant and riguardant, nimbus Or charged with a cross of the first, supporting with its Dexter shoulder a banner of the second charged with a cross also of the first; in chief three fleurs de lis Argent; a Chief Celeste embattled charged with a balance scale Or.

Behind the shield is a bishop’s cross, all are surmounted by a Roman galero with six tassels pendant at both sides in 1, 2 and 3 all Vert.

Motto: “Quia non defecerunt miserationes eius”, “For his mercies have never failed”

As per ecclesiastical heraldic tradition, the coat of arms of the incumbent bishop is impaled with the coat of arms of his jurisdiction, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, symbolic of his spiritual marriage to his See. The dexter (viewer’s left) side has the place of honor in heraldry, thus the Diocese’s coat of arms is to be placed at the dexter.

The shield is divided horizontally into two equal parts, called “per fess” in heraldry.

In chief Azure (blue) is the Carmelite emblem surmounted by a crown. These symbolize the Blessed Virgin Mary through her title as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the principal patroness of the Diocese.

In base Or (gold) is a Chamorro latte stone represented in its natural colors, common in the islands of Northern Marianas. It sits atop an island in Vert (green) upon a barry wavy of seven depicting the waves of the ocean, to symbolize the islands of Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and the Northern Islands.

The impalement of the diocesan coat of arms with the personal arms of the incumbent bishop emphasizes that, although the bishop may change, the Church of God in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa continues unchanged. On the sinister side is the personal coat of arms of Bishop Romeo Duetao Convocar.

The field colors of Gules (red) and Celeste (pale blue) refer to the colors of the rays coming from the Heart of Jesus in the image of the Divine Mercy. The red color represents the Blood of Jesus which is the Life of Souls and the pale blue represents water which makes the soul righteous. This reflects the Bishop’s deep personal entrustment of himself, his mission, and the flock that he cares in the merciful and faithful love of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

The balance scale in chief speaks of his strong sense of justice that characterizes and guides the Bishop as he continues to give special care and attention to the afflicted, abused and downtrodden members of the community.

The bleeding Paschal Lamb speaks of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and his victory over sin and death, the core element of the Bishop’s ministry celebrating and proclaiming the saving action of Christ. It is through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God that God’s justice and mercy met, reigned, dispensed, and received.

The three fleurs de lis symbolize the Bishop’s Marian devotion, especially to Our Lady of Lourdes. His late mother who was primarily instrumental in nurturing the Bishop’s vocation was a strong devotee to the Blessed Mother under this title. The Bishop’s home parish where he was ordained to the priesthood on the 17th of September 1996 was also under the

patronage of this Marian title.

The embattled line of the chief symbolizes the bishop’s personal history as a seminarian and priest of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. This speaks too of his strong sense of awareness of the spiritual warfare of our times and the need to provide a strong spiritual leadership for a renewed church.

“Quia non defecerunt miserationes eius” is the Bishop’s motto, adapted from Lamentations 3:22, “For His mercies have never failed.” This motto guides the Bishop in his ministry, proclaiming the compassion of God in a wounded world.

Heraldic Designers:

Very Rev. Msgr. John Brillantes

Adviser of Escudos Eclesiasticos PH

Life Member of the American College of Heraldry

Mr. Johnel Dimco

Head Researcher of Escudos Eclesiasticos PH

Chief Artist of Auxilium Christianorum Ecclesiastical Heraldic Arts