Italiano Español
The images chosen for the Coat of Arms want to underline some biblical texts that together with the “motto” would guide my episcopal service to the people of God. It was designed by the people I worked with in Italy before coming back to South Africa. In this way, we live this missionary communion among the peoples of the world.
1. The rising sun
Zechariah's song:“Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Lk 1, 78-79). God visits us, bringing light and peace, guiding our feet on the road to peace.
2. The motto: “iZwi laba yinyama” - “The Word became flesh”
The way chosen by God to visit us in this “final time” was by becoming flesh, by becoming one of us. Like Paul says in the letter to the Phillipians: “He did not regard equality with God something to be grasped... he emptied himself taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness...” (Phil 2, 6.7).
3. Treasure
“The Kingdom of God is like a treasure buried in a field...” (Mt 13, 44). God's kingdom is already among us. It is present in all those who welcome God's Word in their lives. It is hidden and always to be discovered. Barnabas in Antioch is the best example: “When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart” (Acts 11, 23).
4. The sandals
“Go and make disciples of all nations...” (Mt 28, 19). We have been sent to the whole world to proclaim the Good news. “You will be my witnesses... to the ends fo the earth” (Acts 1, 8).
5. The star
In our journey we are led by a Star: Mary's presence. By accepting God's call, “Be it done to me according to your word” (Lk 1, 38), the Word became flesh in her.
I was born on the feast of “Our Lady of Lujan” patroness of Argentina, joined a missionary congregation (the Consolata Missionaries) whose founder, Blessed Joseph Allamano, used to say: “I am not the founder, she is”. The IMC inside the star represents the official name of the Consolata Missionaries (“Istituto Missioni Consolata”).
I have now been appointed Bishop of the Vicariate of Ingwavuma, entrusted to the Servants of Mary, the patrons of the Cathedral are the Good Shepherd and Our Lady of Sorrows.
6. A wooden cross
“We proclaimed Christ crucified...” (1 Khor 1, 23). “He is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh... and might reconciled both with God, in one body, through the cross...” (Eph 2, 14.16)
7. Lion
My family's surname (“Ponce de León”) is always identified with a lion.
