The Coat of Arms of Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, D.D Bishop of Tagum

INTERPRETATION

I. In accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s heraldic tradition, the Coat of Arms of a Bishop is normally composed of the following: a. a shield with its charges (symbols) coming from family, geographic, religious and historical meanings and/or referring to the name of the Bishop; b. a golden processional cross with one traversal bar, to represent the rank of the Bishop, “impaled” (vertically) behind the shield; c. a green hat (galero) with 12 (six on each side) attached tassels, graded 1, 2 and 3, from the top; and d. a scroll with the motto, written in black, located beneath the shield.

II. In the upper part of the heraldic shield, the color yellow is an adaptation of the Vatican color, a reminder that the local Church is always part of the Universal Church and is united with the Holy Father. The crown symbolizes Christ as King of the Universe, the Titular of the Diocese. The eleven dots on the lower part of the crown represent the Diocese’s eleven vicariates which encompass several parishes.

III. The green background signifies green pastures where the Bishop will be leading his flock. The right side of the shield portrays one of the Diocese’s pastoral priorities – the building and strengthening of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), commonly known as Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKKs).

IV. The left side of the shield emblematizes the role of Mary in the life and vocation of Bishop Aseo. The bishop recalls his experiences as a child when his grandmother would bring him to join the “Birhen sa Barangay”, a popular devotion in their place. He is also reminded of his latest parish assignments in Western Pennsylvania, serving as parochial vicar of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning, and St. Mary, Mother of God Parish, Yatesboro. Certainly, Mary’s joyful obedience to God, her exemplar life of faith and trust in Him, has played an essential role to Bishop Aseo’s life of service.

V. The ocean, boat, and the sky blue background is a symbolic representation of the mission that continuously challenges the local Church of Tagum to be united with God.

VI. The Christogram (XP) is derived from the logo of the Maryknoll Missionaries. The life and ministry of the Bishop Aseo has been greatly shaped and nourished by the Maryknoll Missionaries. Bishop Aseo is one of the living witnesses of the generosity and care of the missionary fathers. He had received material assistance and spiritual nourishment during his seminary formation. Furthermore, as the local Church of Tagum continues her journey, she will always remember with gratitude the Maryknoll Missionaries who were instrumental in establishing the Diocese of Tagum as well as the formation of the local clergy.

VII. The episcopal motto of Bishop Aseo is “Gaudium in Obedientia” (Joy in Obedience) which is an expression of his deep joy as he strives to obey God’s will in his ministry. It comes from Psalm 40:8 which says, “I delight to do your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” Like Mary our Mother, though bewildered and unsure of all implications she obediently and joyfully submitted her “Fiat” to God rises out of faith in Him and in His wisdom and goodness.