Does a Bishop's Coat of Arms Need a Latin Motto?

Heraldry in general and ecclesiatical and royal heraldy specifically has always been an interest of mine. This article only scratches the surface.

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

In heraldic tradition, mottos are not even a requirement, though bishops tend to choose one that summarizes their spirituality.

There are many assumptions regarding episcopal mottos, and it may appear that creating a coat of arms follows a strict tradition.

One particular assumption is that every bishop has to pick a Latin motto for his coat of arms.

This is one of the reasons why some people were surprised when they saw that Archbishop Ronald Hicks, the new bishop of New York, chose the Spanish motto "Paz y Bien," meaning "Peace and Good."

Does it need to be Latin?

Heraldic rules

Oddly enough, according to the most commonly used rules of heraldry, coat of arms don't even need a motto.

The Heraldry Society explains:

Surprising as it may be, the motto is not part of the lawful grant of arms in English heraldry and there is no requirement for arms to have a motto. The use of a motto is at the choice of the grantee (lawful owner of the arms) and may be expressed in any language. In Scottish heraldic law the motto is part of the lawful grant, and may not be changed by the grantee, even so the motto may be in any language.

While its true that many bishops choose to have a Latin motto, it isn't a requirement. A bishop may choose a motto in any language, even Klingon or Elvish if they really wanted to express their geeky interests.

Many bishops pick a motto either in their native language, or in a language that represents something important to them.

If a bishop does not choose Latin, it doesn't mean they are going against heraldic rules. They are simply expressing their own spirituality in a unique way.

Little "t" tradition

It's also important to note that even if it were a popular "tradition" for bishops to choose a Latin motto, this is not something permanent and unchangeable.

The custom of choosing a coat of arms is a relatively new tradition, one that dates back only to the Middle Ages. Jesus, for example, did not give the 12 apostles a coat of arms with a motto underneath it.

While Latin remains the official language of the Catholic Church, it does not mean a bishop has to pick a motto in that language.

Pictured: Arms of His Lordship James Conley, Bishop of Lincoln (my Bishop). His motto translates to "Heart speaks to Heart".