The dove represents the Holy Spirit who is the inspiration and strength of those who have followed the will of God – the Lord Jesus (Lk 4: 1-12, 14-18), the Virgin Mary (Lk 1:35), the apostles (Acts 2:4) – the same Spirit promised by Jesus (Jn 16:13) will lead , guide, support, and strengthen the Church and its servant-leaders, like the bishops and presbyters, until the end of time.
The cross represents Jesus Christ, whose life was deeply grounded and firmly rooted in the will of the Father (Jn : 34; Heb 10: 7-9) inspired the Archbishop to follow him and identify himself with him. The cross also reminds him of the prices that he has to pay (Mk 9:34-38) in identifying himself with him and in living his Paschal Mystery. As bishop this is the cost of discipleship and apostleship in following and identifying himself with the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock (Jn 10:11)
The mountain and river represent Mount Arayat and Pampanga River, the principal landmarks of the place of origin of the archbishop, the province of Pampanga. it is here where he was born, received his early education, received his call to be a priest, served as a deacon, presbyter, seminary formator, Parish priest and now as the fourth metropolitan archbishop.
The pallium, a piece of woolen cloth with crosses given by the Pope to metropolitan archbishops, signifies that the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga is a metropolitan see.
Volutas Tua Delectatio Mea: “your will is my delight” is taken from Psalm 119:24.
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