The Bishop's Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms The design is from a book of Irish heraldry and is based on the arms of the Conry family. The original design had an open book but that is now reserved for academic institutions. The hat and cords are symbols of a bishop.

The motto is Latin for "Prepare the way of the Lord" - taken from Isaiah 40 and quoted by John the Baptist. The bishop writes:

"These words seemed appropriate because I think that is what we are all called to do. Luke's version of the story about John the Baptist gives us the longest quote from Isaiah, where he goes on to talk about every valley being filled in and the mountains being levelled. It is an enormously rich image, full of suggestions, but essentially a challenge to us to proclaim the Lord's presence and look forward to the coming of the kingdom."