Dominican Order's Shield



Bishop Patrick Barry's Shield

The Dominican shield consists of four white and four black gyrons or triangles. These symbolize the unity of a body of people working together for the common good. The "cross fleury" (or cross with a fleur de lis at each end) superimposed upon the gyrons, signifies victory, duty and self-sacrifice. The sable or black of the shield symbolizes wisdom, silence, fortitude and penance. The light color (which could be white, argent or silver) signifies peace, purity, charity and sincerity. Sometimes, the motto of the Order surrounds the shield. It reads "Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare," which means "to praise God, to bless His people and to preach His gospel." Frequently too, the shield may also be surounded by the six or eight pointed star which is the distinguishing symbol of St. Dominic.

The Dominican shield typifies the spirit of the Order which has taught the crucifixion of Christ and the wisdom and charity of the Cross for over seven hundred years.

The heraldic bearings of Bishop Patrick Barry, one of the founders of Barry University, bears his own emblem and that of the diocese of St. Augustine. It is adorned by shamrocks which represent St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland and the Bishop's patron saint, and are superimposed upon the red bars of his family coat of arms. These also symbolize the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit). The heart represents St. Augustine and the arrow represents Florida.