Bishop Miehm’s Motto and Coat of Arms
The Motto, Fides Per Caritatem, (Faith Through Love) is taken from Paul to the Galatians 5:6; "The only thing that counts is faith working through love." It reflects an important theme for the Year of Faith, when Bishop Miehm was ordained to the episcopacy.
On the coat of arms, faith is signified by the "Cross crosslet" at the top of the shield. It is a traditional German cross, representing Bishop Miehm's ethnic heritage. It is also the cross image most associated with his home parish of St. Anthony Daniel in Kitchener.
The lily at the bottom of the shield and the carpenter's square (depicted in the edge of the chevron) are traditional images of St. Joseph. As husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus, Joseph exemplified both faith and love. He is the patron saint of Canada and the Universal Church as well as one of Bishop Miehm's patron saints. Moreover, Joseph is the birth name of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, who appointed Bishop Miehm to the episcopacy. The lily is imposed on a blue background, the colour most associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of Hamilton Diocese.
The crown at the top of the shield is composed of two hearts, representing charity: specifically the love of God and the love of neighbour. The crown symbolizes Jesus Christ the King, who gave us the two great commands of love. It also signifies the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton, where Bishop Miehm was ordained deacon, priest and bishop.