The bishop's Coat of Arms and Motto

Over the last few weeks Bishop-elect James A. Misko has been preparing for his move to the Diocese of Tucson. A few days ago, he celebrated his farewell Mass in the Diocese of Austin where he has served for more than 18 years. Among the items shared with the laity were his Coat of Arms and Episcopal Motto. His motto Domine Tuus Sum Ego translates to Lord, I am yours.  
 
Tradition holds that a motto expresses a bishop’s theme, interpreting how he will lead, teach, and serve. Misko said he arrived at his motto while reflecting on the Psalms. At his farewell Mass at the St. Louis King of France Church in Austin he told the congregation, “Humility is recognizing the presence of God. And recognizing that God is God and I am not God. And finding a way to arrange my life in every moment of every day in that relationship, that I only exist because of God.”  The coat of arms reflects his diocese, personal devotions, and spirituality. In his homily Misko said, ‘Spirituality is the awareness of God in and through all these things.” 
 
For Bishop-elect Misko the coat of arms embodies his deep theological and personal devotion to Jerusalem, emphasizing its historical, mystical, and salvific significance. The design features the ancient walls of Jerusalem and the Sheep (Lion’s) Gate, symbolizing Christ as the Lamb of God and the gateway to salvation. Marian devotion is reflected through the blue field, evoking Mary’s role as the living gate through whom Christ, the Savior, entered the world. The use of gold and silver emphasizes divine attributes and follows Catholic heraldic tradition, which permits metal upon metal for theological symbolism. 
  
The upper field displays the flaming heart of St. Augustine, representing a restless passion for God and reflecting Bishop Misko’s devotion to the saint, patron of the Diocese and Cathedral of Tucson, as well as a personal devotion to his roots in Austin. The external elements follow ecclesial norms for bishops, including the green galero, episcopal cross inspired by St. Louis King of France, and his chosen motto, Domine tuus sum ego (“Lord, I am Yours”), expressing total dependence on God. The coat of arms further incorporates insignia of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, honoring Bishop-elect Misko’s knighthood and lifelong connection to the Holy Land. 

Solemn Vespers is open to the public on Thursday, February 19 at St. Augustine Cathedral while the Mass of Ordination and Installation is by ticket only due to limited seating. Both celebrations will be live streamed at diocesetucson.org.