Ecclesiastical Heraldry by Dr Charles A. Gauci – Webinar

Heritage Malta is delighted to present a webinar on Thursday, 25th June 2026 beginning at 2:30pm called 'Ecclesiastical Heraldry – An Online Experience'. This richly visual and educational session explores the fundamental aspects of heraldic tradition within the Roman Catholic Church, covering both historical and contemporary practices with particular emphasis on Malta's religious context. Dr Charles A. Gauci, who has served as Malta's Chief Herald of Arms since 2019, will guide attendees through the structural elements of traditional coats of arms and explain how ecclesiastical heraldry distinguishes the insignia of Catholic clergy members. The discussion will cover symbolic elements including the papal tiara, crossed keys, ombrellino, tintinnabulum, mitre, crozier, pallium, episcopal and archepiscopal crosses, ecclesiastical headwear, and decorative cords and tassels in their respective colours, demonstrating their relationship to ecclesiastical rank. Attendees will gain insight into how priests display affiliations with established Orders and knighthoods within their heraldic designs. The presentation will also feature the heraldic arms of high-ranking officials in Orders under direct papal authority.