The Archdiocese of Manila has released the official coat of arms and motto of Thomasian Cardinal Jose Advincula ahead of his installation as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila.
The coat of arms has symbols and signs that represent Advincula’s personal life.
A Dominican-style Archbishop’s Cross is at the center, below a red hat, which signifies his Dominican education. Advincula was educated early on by the Dominican Sisters at St. Martin Academy, then finished his bachelor’s degree in theology at UST and earned his licentiate degree in canon law at the Pontificia Università San Tommaso D’Aquino or the Angelicum in Rome.
The left side of the shield portrays the ecclesiastical arms of the Metropolitan See of Manila.
The lily over the blue background represents Advincula’s devotion to the Blessed Mother, the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.
Below the lily is a carpenter’s square, which symbolizes St. Joseph, the namesake of Advincula and his personal patron saint.
The chain of nine links represents the Manila archbishop’s surname, which was derived from the Latin phrase “ad vincula” or fettered with chains. The gold background renews the meaning of chains: from servitude to servanthood, the Archdiocese of Manila said.
The gold crescent moon symbolizes Mary as the Immaculate Conception, which is the titular patroness of the Capiz archdiocese, where Advincula had served as cardinal.
The five-pointed star symbolizes the colors of De La Salle University-Manila, where Advincula finished his master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1983.
The horse represents St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of soldiers and patron saint of the parish in Advincula’s birthplace of Dumalag, Capiz.
The mountain with strips of limestone depicts Mt. Paningraon in Dumalag.
Dubbed as the “listening cardinal from Capiz,” Advincula’s motto is “Audiam” (I will listen), which is derived from the response of the young Samuel to the call of God in the book of Samuel in the old testament.
Audiam is also written below his coat of arms.
On June 18, Advincula received his red hat and ring of office during a ceremony in the cathedral of Roxas City, Capiz.
His installation as Manila archbishop will be on June 24 at Manila Cathedral. Ma. Alena O. Castillo
