“ILLUMINARE OMNES.” Black on white ribbon. `ENLIGHTEN ALL MEN.’ Inspired by the epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3, 8-9: “To me, the least of all saints, there was given this grace, to announce among the Gentiles the good tidings of the unfathomable riches of Christ and to ENLIGHTEN ALL MEN as to what is the dispensation of the mystery which has been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things...”

CROSS OF ST. DOMINIC. Black and white on a red field. Msgr. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, 0.P., D.D. was ordained in the order of St. Dominic, the order of Preachers. Since then, under the cross of St. Dominic he has continued his commitment and dedication to teaching and enlightenment.

MYSTICAL ROSE, gold, and MOUNTAIN, green on a blue held. The rose in full bloom, with thorns, earliest working seal of the University of Santo Tomas, from whose membership Archbishop Legaspi has been elevated to the dignity of the Episcopate, symbolizes Mary. Underneath the rose is Mt. Isarog, symbol of Archdiocese of Caceres over which Mary reigns as queen and protectress.

SUN IN ITS GLORY. Gold on a blue field. The shining sun symbolizes the Truth and Wisdom of Jesus to be made known to the world—a task the new Archbishop faces and welcomes. The sun is also the symbol of St. Thomas Aquinas, a model in the endeavor.

BAMBOO. White on a red field. The bamboo (Kawayan) is symbolic of the town of Bulacan from which the new Archbishop hails—Meycauayan. The bamboo plant, flexible yet strong, is also a symbol of wisdom.

TINCTURES AND EMBELLISHMENTS Red symbolizes warmth, enthusiasm, courage. Blue is for dignity, loyalty and wisdom. White is the color of simplicity and purity. Black of clarity and decision. Gold symbolizes brilliance and quality of the highest order. Green is the heraldic color for the hat and tassels of the Bishop. The hierarchical rank of Archbishop is indicated by the crozier and the hat with twenty tassels.

(Source: Living the Episcopacy by Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P.)