Ninth Bishop of Sandhurst
BLASON
Dexter side (Coat of arms of the Diocese of Sandhurst):
Quarterly, per saltire Or and Azure on the former in fess two roses Gules, in chief an estoile (or eight-pointed star) and in base a representation of the Paderborn Cross Argent.
Sinister side (Personal coat of arms of Bishop Rene Ramirez):
Azure, a pall Gules fimbriated Or charged with three stalks of wheat of the last, one on each branch; in Chief, the Sacred Heart of Jesus proper in splendour; in Dexter side, a staff in bend superimposed by a shepherdess’ hat, all Argent; in Sinister side, five mullets, one of eight points, two of seven, one of six and one of five points, also all Argent (representing the Constellation of the Southern Cross).
Behind the shield is a bishop’s cross, all are surmounted by a Roman galero with six tassels pendant at both sides in 1, 2 and 3 all Vert.
Motto: “Zelus et misericordia”, which translates to “Zeal and compassion”
SYMBOLISM
The impaled coat of arms visually proclaims that a bishop exercises his ministry in inseparable union with the Diocese he is appointed to serve. The dexter impalement is the coat of arms of the Diocese of Sandhurst, designed by Richard d’Apice and Fr. Guy Selvester, and originally illustrated by Sandy Turnbull.
The gold of the field represents the goldfields which is located within the diocese. The blue and the roses represent the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, who, under the title Our Lady of Good Counsel, is Patroness of the Diocese.
The star and the two roses have their origin in an earlier design proposed for the arms of the diocese in 1979. This proposal does not appear to have been put into use, its existence is little known in the diocese and its original symbolism is not known at all.
The Paderborn Cross at the base is an ancient Christian symbol discovered in an eighth-century grave beneath the Cathedral at Paderborn, Germany, which was the home city of Dr Henry Backhaus, the pioneer priest of the Bendigo Goldfields.
This said cross was also depicted as the episcopal cross in the coat of arms of Bishop Rene Ramirez as Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, to honor the Diocese of Sandhurst. The countryside and warm-hearted people of the Bendigo Goldfields captured the Bishop’s heart, and it was here that he had his “Damascus” experience—his episcopal appointment.
The sinister impalement is the coat of arms of Bishop Rene Ramirez, designed by Mons. John Brillantes and illustrated by Johnel Dimco upon his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne in 2024.
The field of the coat of arms is divided into three compartments by a pall, which is a Y-shaped heraldic ordinary.
At the top, or “chief,” there is a radiant Sacred Heart, a symbol that, along with the wheat ears placed at the pall, is also found in the logo of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus, to which the Bishop belongs as a professed member. The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was promoted by St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia, the Founder of the Congregation and an inspirational figure for the Bishop.
On the dexter side (right side of the shield, left side from viewer’s point of view), there is a shepherdess staff and hat, representing the Blessed Virgin Mary in her title “La Divina Pastora,” who is the Patroness of the Bishop’s birthplace in Gapan City, Philippines. The Bishop has lived under the protection of Our Lady, and he believes that it was in his birthplace where the initial seed of his vocation was sown.
The sinister side of the shield (the right side, as viewed by the observer) features five stars arranged in formation of the Southern Cross constellation. This emblem not only represents Australia, but also pays tribute to the two Australian parishes of Braybrook and Maidstone, where the Bishop dedicated his effort working towards their amalgamation into the Holy Family Parish, as well as towards their renewal and growth as a more mission-oriented community of believers.
The tinctures (colors) used are Argent (silver/white), Or (gold), Azure (blue), and Gules (red)—the colors of the flags of the Philippines and Australia, both of which are significant in the Bishop’s life.
The green galero, with six tassels hanging on either side, along with the episcopal cross, signifies that the bearer of the coat of arms is a Bishop.
The motto “Zelus et Misericordia” captures the essence of Jesus’ mission and his call for compassionate service, reflecting sentiments from Matthew 9:35-38, during his encounter with the multitude: He was moved with compassion because they were “helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
There is a profound connection between zeal and mercy: true zeal for the Lord’s work arises from a heart that empathizes with the suffering of others and compels action. As Bishop Ramirez assumes a higher responsibility as Ordinary of the Diocese of Sandhurst, his motto serves as a dynamic reminder of the call to service, urging not only feelings of compassion but also an active response to those in distress.
