Barry Shield
The Barry University shield
is a combination of the coats of arms of Bishop Patrick Barry
and of the Dominican Order.
The three red bars in Barry's shield were taken from Bishop
Barry's coat of arms. Shamrocks originally in the Bishop's shield
were dropped in favor of the three books which symbolize the
acquisition of knowledge. The Bishop's escutcheon was moved
to the dexter (or right side) of the Barry University shield,
because in heraldry, this is the position of honor. The Dominican
shield forms the sinister (or left side) of the Barry University
shield and indicates that the University is a Dominican foundation.
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Dominican
Order's Shield
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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. |
Bishop Patrick Barry's Shield
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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.
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