Andrew E. Bellisario

Biography

Coat of Arms

• The Wavy Silver and Blue lines: Represents water, the highway uniting the parishes and missions of the diocese.
• The Constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear: The constellation of the Northern Hemisphere includes the Big Dipper with its two pointers to the North Star.
• The North Star : Represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, the ever constant guide of spiritual mariners, under her title "Our Lady, Star of the Sea". It also represents the constant guide of the mariner, explorer, hunter, trapper, prospector, woodsman and surveyor of Alaska.
• The Crescent Moon: Represents the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and commemorates the Cathedral church of the diocese.

• The Cross of Saint Andrew: Represents Saint Andrew the Apostle, Bishop Bellisario's Patron Saint.
• The Long Stem Rose: Represents Bishop Bellisario's mother, Mildred, and his English heritage.
• The Ship: Represents the Church, the Bark of Saint Peter, putting out into the deep. It also represents Bishop Bellisario's father, Rocky, the Bellisario Family and his Italian heritage.
• The Sacred Heart of Jesus+: Represents Jesus, who died for our sins, and commemorates Bishop Bellisario's religious community, the Congregation of the Mission, following Christ evangelizing the poor.
• The Immaculate Heart of Mary+: Represents Mary, who intercedes for us and commemorates the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, serving persons who are poor.