The Catholic Bishops add, “Atop the mitre is the Cross, symbolizing the Bishops' unwavering fidelity to the message of salvation. As a Conference, the Bishops proclaim Christ crucified, the Savior of the world and the hope of humanity.”
Flanking the mitre, ZCBC members continue, “is the crosier, the shepherd's staff, which evokes the Bishops' pastoral duty to care for, guide, and guard the flock of Christ entrusted to them.”
“Prominently placed is an open book representing the Bible - the Word of God. It highlights one of the principal duties of Bishops: To teach and proclaim the Word of God. This affirms the ZCBC's enduring commitment to evangelization, catechesis, and the integral proclamation of the Gospel,” they explain.
ZCBC members further say, “All these sacred symbols are placed within the map of Zimbabwe, reminding us that the Bishops' mission is lived within a particular historical context and is directed primarily as a service to the people of Zimbabwe.”
“Though the Bishops serve the universal Church, they do so as Bishops from and in Zimbabwe. They therefore have a sacred duty to preach the Gospel, interpret it, and make sense of it within the Zimbabwean context,” they add.
The four surrounding circles carry the full name of the Conference. They also symbolize the collegial nature of the Conference and its commitment to work together in a synodal way.
“The circles represent the Bishops' desire to foster bonds of unity among the people of Zimbabwe. They also speak of the Conference's commitment to serve in the pursuit of justice, peace, reconciliation, and national healing. Thus, the circles signify the Conference's desire for the communion of all in our beloved nation,” ZCBC members explain.
They note that the colors of the logo “are of profound significance: blue evokes the heavens, the vastness of God's love, and humanity's ever-widening horizons. Gold symbolizes joy, especially the joy of the Gospel celebrated in the liturgy-radiating the splendor of the feasts and solemnities of the Church.”
The Catholic Church leaders further say, “The new logo goes far beyond the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference's visual identity - it is a recognition of the Bishops' collegiality as they carry out their sacred duties and mission in our beloved country, Zimbabwe.”
They recommend the new logo to “all Catholic institutions, esteemed stakeholders, and all people of goodwill.”
