Unveiling the Language of Arms: A Webinar on Heraldry in the Catholic Church

Imagine standing in the grand St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, gazing up at the intricate ceiling painted by Mattia Preti. Now, picture understanding the rich symbolism behind the coats of arms adorning its walls. This was the promise of a recent webinar hosted by the Heraldry Society, delving into the fascinating world of heraldry within the Catholic Church.

Unveiling the Language of Arms

The webinar, titled “Heraldry in the Catholic Church”, was led by Dr. Philip Tibbetts, a renowned heraldist and author of “Heraldry in the Catholic Church”. Tibbetts began by demystifying heraldry, describing it as “the language of arms”, a system of visual communication that has evolved over centuries. He explained how coats of arms, with their intricate symbols and colours, convey a wealth of information about their bearers – from family lineage to personal virtues.

Heraldry and the Catholic Church

Tibbetts then turned his attention to the Catholic Church, revealing how heraldry has been intertwined with its history and structure. He discussed the heraldic achievements of the Pope, the College of Cardinals, and various religious orders. The webinar also explored the role of heraldry in church architecture, with examples from Malta’s own rich ecclesiastical heritage. Tibbetts highlighted how coats of arms can be found not just in cathedrals like St. John’s, but also in lesser-known churches across the islands.

One local example Tibbetts touched upon was the coat of arms of the Order of St. John, which features a red cross on a white background, symbolising the order’s commitment to chivalry and charity. This led to an interesting discussion about how heraldry can serve as a tangible link to Malta’s historical and cultural narrative.

Heraldry in the Modern Church

The webinar also explored the relevance of heraldry in the modern Catholic Church. Tibbetts discussed how, despite its ancient origins, heraldry continues to play a significant role in church protocol and ceremony. He also touched upon the process of creating new coats of arms for modern ecclesiastical institutions, a process that involves careful consideration of historical precedent and symbolic meaning.

For those interested in learning more about heraldry, Tibbetts recommended several resources, including his own book and the Heraldry Society‘s website. He also encouraged participants to engage with local heraldic societies and historical organisations, such as the Malta Heritage Society.