The cross is on a red field. Superimposed upon the eagle is a narrow section, or brisare, which contains a red ploughshare on a field of gold, to indicate the city of Cincinnati , the Bishop's place of origin. Symbols Described As in all episcopal coats of arms, a mitre, processional cross , and crosier, surmounted by a green ecclesiastical hat, are placed behind the shield. Entwined about the hat are green cords, each terminating in six tassels, arranged in three rows the cross crosier, and mitre are symbols of episcopal power and jurisdiction. The hat has been used in coats of arms for centuries as a distinctive mark of ecclesiastical heraldry.
Cardinals have a red hat, and archbishops and bishops a green hat.
Certain prelates of the Roman court are permitted a purple hat, and priests who have a permanent appointment, like irremovable rectors, may surmount their arms with a black hat. The number of tassels depending from the cords varies according to the dignity of the personage concerned. The color of the cords and tassels generally matches that of the hat. The Holy Father, cardinals, archbishops, bishops and other ecclesiastical dignitaries use a coat of arms because they are considered members of the church's nobility. The primary purpose of a coat of arms comes from the custom of the medieval knights, who had their distinctive markings embroidered on the coat they wore over their armor.