EXPLANATION OF CARDINAL GIORGIO MARENGO’s
COAT OF ARMS (EMBLEM)
The coat of arms of H.E. Mons. Giorgio Marengo, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Titular Bishop of Castra Severiana
Blazon
The silver field bears the image of Our Lady of Consolation; the cappato (upper partion) is blue; on the right is a Nestorian cross with arms in gold and a core in silver; on the left is a liturgical chalice in gold, in the Mongolian style, topped with a host in silver.
The shield is attached to the trifoliate processional cross in gold, and stamped with a galero (hat) in green, with the mantling of six tufts on each side.
Motto: RESPICITE AD EUM ET ILLUMINAMINI
(LOOK TO HIM AND BE RADIANT Psalm 34:6)
Theological-Symbolical Explanation
The main field of the shield is in the metal silver colour, which in heraldry, for its white shine, is well suited to accompany the image of the Virgin Mary, recalling her purity. The image of the Virgin is represented according to the features of Madonna Consolata (Our Lady of Consolation), patroness of the Archdiocese of Turin, venerated by the Missionaries, who take their name from Her, and from among whom the bearer of this coat of arms hails. The Consolata Missionaries were founded by Blessed Giuseppe Allamano, nephew of St. Joseph Cafasso. Blessed Giuseppe was the Rector of the Marian Sanctuary of Turin for 46 years. The Missionaries, just as their inspiration and Mother, Our Lady of Consolation, want to bring true consolation, Jesus, the gospel to the world; reach out to the marginalised, comfort to the afflicted, care to the sick, elevation of humanity, defense of human rights, and the promotion of justice and peace. This heraldic image is a reproduction of the painting of the Madonna that is venerated today in the Piedmontese capital, Turin. It was a gift from Cardinal Della Rovere (who commisioned the construction of the Turin Cathedral), and attributed to Antoniazzo Romano. This late 15th century work took inspiration from the icon Madonna del Popolo di Roma.
In the upper two partitions, on the blue field – blue being a typically Marian colour – we find two items chosen for their high symbolic value, but also for their particular features with reference to Mongolia. Outer Mongolia is the territory in which for nearly twenty years prior to his appointment, Mons. Marengo has committed himself to his missionary work.
There is a Nestorian cross on the left. The cross is the perfect symbol of the redemption brought by Christ, and it has been the preeminent marker of all Christians of all times and of all places on earth. This cross is distinctive for its characteristic patented and flowered shape, as it was used in the Nestorian Church. Similar crosses can be found in the regions of Asia, in which the Nestorian Church was - or still is - present. It is often accompanied by a dove (the symbol of the Holy Spirit) or by a lotus flower. It is a triumphant cross, with arms widening at the ends, thereby signifying the Crucifix of the Resurrection that extends to every corner of the world.
The other image is a chalice used in the celebration of the Holy Mass, with the shape and characteristics traditional to Mongolia. The Eucharistic symbolism is made evident by the depiction of the Holy Host above the sacred vessel. The Eucharist provides the source and the cause of the Church, and also the force behind the impetus of the missionary. Furthermore, the missionary work of the Church is oriented towards the accompaniment of peoples into full communion with Christ, and within finding sacramental fulfillment through the Eucharistic Celebration.
Fr. Antonio Pompili
Ordinary Member of the Institute of Heraldy Genealogy of Italy
