Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of the Confraternity of St. Arethas and Companions stands as a powerful emblem of unwavering faith, unity, and resilience. Founded in 2024 in the Arabian Peninsula, the Confraternity is dedicated to promoting devotion to St. Arethas and the Martyrs of Najran.

 

The main element of the coat of arms is a shield in royal blue, reflecting the faithfulness and honor of the saints. At its center lies a golden cross, representing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for whom the saints gave their lives. Surrounding the cross is a red heart formed by two human figures, symbolizing the unity and solidarity of the Confraternity’s members. This heart also depicts flames of fire, alluding to the martyrdom of St. Arethas and his Companions, and stands for the greatest theological virtue: charity.

 

Above the heart shines a golden star, symbolizing the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Arabia, the Patroness of the Arabian Peninsula. The three white stars represent the Holy Trinity, and also underscore the Confraternity’s fidelity to Catholic teachings. Flanking the shield are the Roman numerals “MM” and “XXIV,” marking the founding year of the Confraternity.

 

The shield is crowned with geometric patterns inspired by those distinctly found on the historic mud houses and palaces of Najran, the city of the martyrs. These patterns, adorned with crosses, evoke the region’s rich Christian heritage from late antiquity.

 

The dominant colors, red and blue, honor the Trinitarians, the Order to which Bishop Aldo Berardi, the Confraternity’s episcopal promoter and protector, belongs. These colors symbolize the two natures of Christ—true God and true Man—a doctrine steadfastly defended by the martyrs. Red, the liturgical color for martyrs, further underscores their sacrifice.

 

Above the shield, the Latin motto “OMNIA POSSUM IN EO QUI ME CONFORTAT,” translated as “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), reflects the members’ reliance on divine support. Encircling the coat of arms is a stylized red banner inscribed with the Confraternity’s name in Latin: CONFRATERNITATIS SANCTI ARETHAE ET SOCIORUM.

 

This coat of arms effectively communicates the heritage, values, and mission of the Confraternity of St. Arethas and Companions, serving as a lasting symbol of faith and solidarity for its members.