The arrangement of elements in Bishop Cote's coat of arms reflects his heritage and life as a priest. The blue background of the shield signifies the color of the Atlantic Ocean, which makes up the Eastern boundary of Bishop Cote's home state of Maine. The color blue, used in Royal French coats of arms, also signifies the French heritage of his parents, Margaret Alma Trottier and Paul E. Cote.

The white moline cross with its arms ending in anchors lies at the shield's center, is taken from the arms of the Diocese of Portland. Six gold mountains, called the "Montini Mountains" are emblazoned under the cross. The mountains are taken from the arms of Giovanni Battista Montini who became Pope Paul VI. Bishop Cote chose the arms because he was ordained to the priesthood by his Holiness Pope Paul VI on June 29, 1975.

The gold star in the upper left of the design honors Mary in her title, "Star of the Sea."

Bishop Cote's motto: "Above All Charity," is taken from St. Paul's Epistle to the Colossians (3:14): "Above all things put on charity which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Behind the shield is a gold processional cross, which extends above and below the shield and a pontifical hat called a "gallero" with three rows of tassels on either side of the shield. The Holy See has designated these elements as the heraldic insignia of a bishop.

Reference:

• www.norwichdiocese.org