Coat of Arms of John Atcherley Dew T-Shirt Design

This T-shirt showcases the Coat of Arms of John Atcherley Dew, a distinguished ecclesiastical heraldic achievement designed for the New Zealand-born Catholic cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus of Wellington. The design is a powerful visual statement reflecting his faith, rank, and personal mission.

Visual Elements & Meaning

The central element of the design is the shield, bearing symbols carefully chosen by Cardinal Dew to represent his spirituality and role. This shield likely incorporates a rich tapestry of religious iconography, including, but not limited to:

• Alpha and Omega: These ancient Greek letters, often depicted above an open book of scripture, symbolize the beginning and the end, representing God's eternal nature and the importance of sacred scripture.
• A Scripture Book: This highlights the importance of the Bible within his ministry.
• Pastoral Staff/Crozier: Representing his role as bishop, symbolizing his shepherding of the faithful.

The design incorporates the colors and specific symbolism of Catholic heraldry, including red for the cardinal's rank. This, in addition to the other colors used on the coat of arms, have a deeper theological meaning.

Ecclesiastical Rank & Motto

At the top of the design, the cardinal's hat (galero) with its distinctive tassels denotes his elevated status within the Catholic Church. Below the shield is his personal motto, "Peace through Integrity" (Latin: Pax per Integritatem). This motto encapsulates Dew’s personal values and mission, reminding us of his commitment to his faith.