English: The great seal of the Diocese of La Crosse (viewer’s left side of the shield) is on a field of silver. The three wavy bands at the bottom represent the three rivers flowing through the Diocese–the Mississippi, Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers. The cross of gold within the canoe symbolizes the travels of the early Jesuit missionaries through the Diocese and the faith they brought to the area. Below the left arm of the cross is a lacrosse racket, from the game played

by Native Americans who first inhabited the territory. Below the right arm is a sheaf of wheat, indicating the predominantly rural nature of the Diocese. The wheat is also a symbol of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.The remainder of the Diocesan side of the shield is occupied by three hills of green behind the cross, representing the bluffs and hills found in the Diocese.

For the personal coat of arms (viewer’s right side of the shield), His Excellency, Gerard W. Battersby, has adopted a design reflecting his personal heritage, spirituality and ministry.

At the top of the shield is a Celtic processional cross meant to honor Bishop Battersby’s Irish heritage. It is shaped like a traditional cross but with a ring, representing the sun, around the intersection of the stem and arms. The whole cross is decorated with ornate Gaelic patterns.

Bishop Battersby’s Coat of Arms includes the three Sacred Hearts. The hearts represent the Holy Family and symbolize the unending and boundless love for us.

The wounded heart signifies his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It also pays tribute to Sacred Heart Major Seminary where he prepared for the priesthood and at which he served as vice-rector and dean of seminarian formation at the time he was called to the episcopacy.

The second heart, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, signifies the trust and confidence that Bishop Battersby has in the Blessed Mother’s intercession and protection. The sword symbolizes the sorrows of Mary, the flames represent her burning love for Jesus and us, her children and the roses represent her purity.

Bishop Battersby’s devotion to St. Joseph is represented in the third of the Sacred Hearts, the Chaste Heart of Joseph, inflamed with love and adorned with the white lily of purity, a symbol of his faith and steadiness.

Bishop Battersby’s motto–In Sinu Patris–The longer version is found in the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 1, verse 18, which reads, “Deum nemo vidit umquam; unigenitus Deus, qui est in sinum Patris, ipse enarravit.” In translation: “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God who is at the Father’s side has revealed him.”

Surrounding the shield is the pontifical hat called the “galero” with its six tassels, in three rows, on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop.

Reference: https://diolc.org/bishop-battersby/