Q: Greetings, deacons in my diocese use a white stole with the diocesan coat of arms as the “Diocesan Stole.”  We wear it at deacons’ funerals, ordinations, and at diocesan liturgies. Our priests also have a white stole with the diocesan coat of arms. Our diocese is discussing the idea of a violet stole with the diocesan coat of arms for priests to use at Advent/Lent penitential services, where many priests gather to hear confessions. The question of the use of a diocesan coat of arms on liturgical vestments arose during the discussion. Thus, are there canonical liturgical norms against the use of a diocesan coat of arms on liturgical vestments? Peace, and thank you for your ministry.

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A: Here’s GIRM 344: “It is fitting that the beauty and nobility of each vestment not be sought in an abundance of overlaid ornamentation, but rather in the material used and in the design. Ornamentation on vestments should, moreover, consist of figures, that is, of images or symbols, that denote sacred use, avoiding anything unbecoming to this.”

As long as you can justify that the diocesan coat of arms complies with that directive, you’re OK.

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