The letter 'D' holds a special significance in the Coat of Arms of Bishop D'Arcy, the bishop of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. The coat of arms is a symbol of his personal life and values, as well as his years spent at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts.

The coat of arms features praying hands, an eagle's head wearing a halo, which represents St. John the Evangelist. This is a nod to Bishop D'Arcy's time at St. John's Seminary, where he served as a student, teacher, and spiritual director.

On February 2, 1957, Bishop D'Arcy was officially ordained into the priesthood, marking the beginning of his journey as a leader in the Catholic Church. Fifty years later, on November 14, 2007, the diocese celebrated his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination with a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

During the celebration, Bishop D'Arcy was presented with a 6′ x 4′ gift that stood behind the podium, featuring the coat of arms of Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese and his own personal coat of arms. The bishop had asked that there be no personal gifts at his celebration, but the priests of the diocese made a $3,000 donation to the Catholic Education Fund to assist students financially.

In addition, Father Robert Schulte, the diocesan vicar general and rector of the Cathedral, presented Bishop D'Arcy with a cross from Our Lady of the Presentation Church in Brighton, Massachusetts, which is now closed. The reception and dinner that followed were held at the Grand Wayne Center, located across from the Cathedral.

Throughout his 50 years of service, Bishop D'Arcy has been known for his dedication to the Catholic faith and his commitment to serving others. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the people of Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese, and his coat of arms serves as a reminder of his personal values and ideals.

Letter d coat of arms