Bishop Rozanski’s new coat of arms includes symbols of heritage

Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski’s new coat of arms reflects his connections to his Baltimore home, as well as his new assignment as head of the Diocese of Springfield, Mass.

On the left side of the coat of arms is the crest of the Diocese of Springfield. Four circles represent water, and they are literally on the field of the crest. A cross represents the patron of the Springfield cathedral, St. Michael the Archangel, and his cross.  

The Springfield symbols are joined with the crest that was created for Bishop Rozanski when he became an auxiliary bishop of Baltimore. That part of the crest includes a cross representing the name “Michael,” of which the name “Mitchell” is derived. A rose represents Bishop Rozanski’s last name, which literally means “of the rose” in Polish. The lower part of the crest has the black and gold colors of Maryland. The open book represents the word of God that the bishop is called to preach.

The coat of arms also incorporates Bishop Rozanski’s motto: “Serve the Lord with Gladness,” taken from Psalm 100.