THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE BISHOP OF CUBAO
Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.  The right shield is the coat of arms of the Diocese of Cubao.
The bishop's coat of arms on the left shield signifies the singularity of his life's commitment to his priestly calling. The pervading trait of this commitment depicted by the diagonal strip in royal blue which cuts across the shield is the humble recognition of the gratuitous gifts of God in faith, hope and charity. There wells up in him a serene, confident life in the Spirit. The three silver stars of ascending, movement in apparent variation of sizes refer to the three theological virtues. St. Paul writes, "So faith, hope and charity remain, these three, but the greatest of these is charity" (1 Cor 13:13).
The blue color expresses the bishop's intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His life and ministry have always been directed by the maternal love of the Blessed Mother. The Patroness of his home diocese, the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, is Mary, Our Lady of Remedies. He was ordained priest on December 8, 1972, feast of the Immaculate Conception. His first major assignment was in the Archdiocesan Seminary dedicated to Mary, Mother of Good Counsel. In Rome, the Patroness of Pontificio Collegio Filipino, where he stayed for eleven years, is also Mary, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. On March 25, 1998, feast of the Annunciation to Mary, his appointment as bishop was announced to him. Throughout his life's journey, the Blessed Mother has always accompanied him with her intercession and protection. The bishop desires to imitate Mary's example of docility and serenity in responding to God's call.
The golden crown with a cross symbolizes St. Ferdinand, King of Spain and Patron of his hometown. Though he was bestowed with human honors and resposibilities, the saintly king recognized God's sovereignty and understood his task as the Lord's servant. The bishop sees his Episcopal position as a means not to be served but to serve as the Lord has done.
The white color expresses the purity of heart needed in being a child of God. "Blessed are pure of heart for they shall see God" (Mt 5:3), says Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. This childlike trait is highlighted by the plain white field. It indicates the attentiveness, availability and constant readiness of a true servant of God to hear and heed God's Call.
The Bishop's motto, Maior autem caritas - The greatest of these is charity, expresses his aspirations in his pastoral ministry. It serves as a challenge to him and an ardent prayer that his works of service be always characterized by the love of Jesus and faithfulness of Mary.
|
