Bishop Gerald R. Barnes' Coat of Arms
"Amar es Entregarse" The Coat of Arms of Bishop Gerald Richard Barnes displays a field of red with a band of silver at the top. Bishop chooses red as the color of love, zeal, and fiesta, the celebration of life. He thinks of red as the color of the Southwest sunset, a reminder of his birth in Arizona, rearing in Southern California, and years of service in South Texas. The color silver in the chief of the shield acknowledges his ancestral roots: his grandparents and great-grandparents worked the silver mines of Northern Mexico (Sonora) and Southern Arizona. The basin and towel are symbols of service, following the example of Jesus who washed the feet of the apostles. “As I have done, so you must do” (John 13:15). The green and red design of the basin and towel speaks again of the Southwest and emphasizes Bishop’s roots and his ministry to the people of the region. In using this symbol, Bishop also pays tribute to his mother and father who were models of hospitality and service, always ready to welcome into their home the stranger and those in need. On the base of the shield is blazoned a tilma in gold and three red roses with green leaves and gold seeds. This is the tilma of Juan Diego spilling out the roses sent by Our Lady. In displaying this charge, Bishop places himself at the service of and under the protection of the Virgin of Guadalupe, proclaiming himself a Son of Guadalupe. The motto further emphasizes Bishop’s aspiration to give himself in wholehearted service to the people through his priestly and episcopal vocation. He repeats the theme of his presbyteral ordination, Amar es Entregarse, “Love is the total giving of oneself.” Behind the shield is a gold sword with a hilt in the shape of a cross. Above the shield are the green hat and six tassels on each side denoting the rank of Bishop. The Coat of Arms of Bishop Barnes is a combination of his personal Coat of Arms, and the Coat of Arms of the Diocese of San Bernardino. |
 
Bishop Barnes' CalendarPhasellus rhoncus sapien non nisl. Proin augue dui, mollis in, venenatis sed, facilisis vel… Bishop Barnes' BiographyMost Reverend Gerald Richard Barnes was born in Phoenix, Arizona… Bishop Barnes' Coat of ArmsThe Coat of Arms of Bishop Gerald Richard Barnes displays a field of red with a band of silver at the top… Bishop Barnes' Key MilestonesThe Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 22, 1945… |
