By EmmaLee Italia|Correspondent

Cleaner lines and more pronounced graphic elements help transform the Diocese’s new coat of arms, which was released Nov. 4.

The new symbol was developed at the request of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. to achieve consistency with what was being used across the diocese and to strike an effective balance between the primary images it contains.

Jason Parzynski, secretary to the bishop and the lead designer on the new coat of arms, explained that several versions of the crest were being used throughout the diocese. The different versions varied in color, and some had the miter affixed above the shield while others did not. The new version brings a sense of unity to how the diocese is presented through its wide variety of ministry and works, he observed.

Also, according to Parzynski, updating the design of the diocesan coat of arms emphasizes the rich history of the diocese, while simultaneously acknowledging the beauty of simplicity, which is a focus of Pope Francis.

Parzynski reported that the redesign was accomplished with the input of several individuals, in particular Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, vicar for clergy and consecrated life, and Father Jeffrey E. Lee, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, in collaboration with the bishop. Parzynski rendered the final design.

“The miter at the top of the crest shows that the diocese is under apostolic authority led by the bishop, in communion with the successor of Peter, the vicar of Christ,” Parzynski explained. He added that the designers had come to call it the “Bergoglio/O’Connell miter, because its simpler, minimal design reflects the Holy Father’s and the bishop’s sensibilities. The gold trim in the miter reflects the heavenly kingdom, he said.

Also retaining its signature gold color, the moline cross in the shield’s center represents Trenton’s history as a mill city.

“The name derives from its shape, which represents a millrind, moline being the old French word for a mill, the iron clamp of the upper millstone,” Parzynski described.

Because it honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, keeping the background of the shield light blue was important to its designers.

“The light blue color is a symbol for the Blessed Mother, in particular her Immaculate Conception,” said Parzynski. Light blue also evokes freedom, strength, new beginnings, loyalty, faith and protection, he added.

Another reference to the Blessed Mother – the crescent moon – which also appeared on the prior crest, was enlarged in the new design.

“The crescent moon signifies both virginity and pregnancy, or new life,” Parzynski continued. “This was enlarged to give more emphasis to the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

The new coat of arms will be phased in first electronically, across all digital properties, and work its way through previously printed materials. The new coat of arms will be used when stationery and other documents need to be reprinted, so to avoid waste. Additionally, the stone shield in front of the Chancery will need to be replaced.

“Our goal is to have everything updated by July 1 of next year,” Parzynski said.