Father Robert W. Marshall, Jr., bishop-elect of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, has chosen “Live Jesus in our hearts” as his episcopal motto. Bishop-elect Marshall is a graduate of Christian Brothers High School and Christian Brothers University, both in Memphis, Tennessee.
An episcopal motto is traditionally part of a coat of arms. In this video explaining his coat of arms, Bishop-elect Marshall described the motto as a few words or phrases designed to highlight the ministry or spirituality of an individual bishop.
“For me, the phrase ‘Live Jesus in our hearts’ is a prayer that expresses our most basic desire for a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord,” he shared. “[It] expresses our desire to open our hearts to the Lord, to drive away all that would crowd him out, to recognize in the God who is love, our most basic human need.”
Bishop-elect Marshall was ordained to the priesthood June 10, 2000, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis, Tennessee. He has served at a number of parishes in the Diocese of Memphis, most recently at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He will serve as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria.
Top Photo: Courtesy the Diocese of Alexandria