Meaning of the Elements in New Bishop Noel Rucastle’s Coat of Arms

by Admin · September 18, 2020

A bishop’s coat of arms is always carefully designed to include many symbolisms. Bishop Noel Rucastle, who was ordained bishop of Oudtshoorn last month, chose such symbols from his own background.

The processional cross, and the green galero (a broad-brimmed hat with cords and six tassels on either side), denotes the bishop’s rank.

The gold background of the shield is symbolic of the spiritual treasure we store for ourselves in life. The prophet Job says: “But he knows the way I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”

The colour green represents the lushness of fertile nature. The bishop’s paternal grandfather came from Cumberland, England. Bishop Rucastle was born in Upington, where amid the dryness is an oasis called “Die Eiland”. The Garden Route is his new destination.

The green and silver diamond pattern represents Bishop Rucastle’s formative years growing up in Kimberley.

The bishops’s motto is Adiutorium Nostrum in nomine Domini, which means “Our help is in the name of the Lord”. That verse featured on his priestly ordination card from Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountain from where my help comes. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”