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The background of the shield, known as the field, is green to reflect the derivation of the Bishop’s family name which is taken from the Basque word for pasture. On this field is placed a bar of gold (yellow) and black checks, which is the classic heraldic representation of St. Francis Xavier to honor the Bishop’s baptismal patron.

Above the chequy bar are the combined symbols of two angle’s wings in gold on either side of a silver (white) star. These charges are used to pay particular honor to the Bishop’s parents Angel and March Ochoa. These symbols have an additional significance because Bishop Ochoa was an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (“The City of Angels”) and he also has deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her title of Star of the Sea.

Below the chequy bar is a golden ship at sail (white sail with a red cross) to honor the Bishop’s particular patron, St. Jude, the Apostle. Tradition tells us that St. Simon, traveled throughout the Mediterranean spreading The Gospel of Our Lord. This symbolism reminds Bishop Ochoa that his mission, as a priest and as a bishop, is to follow the example of these Apostles and to spread The Gospel according to Christ’s own command.

For his motto, His Excellency Bishop Ochoa has selected the phrase, “PREPAREN EL CAMINO DEL SEÑOR” (“Prepare the way of the Lord”). This quote is actually found in each of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; and Luke 3:4) and is alluded to in the Gospel of St. John (1:23). By the use of this phrase, His Excellency Bishop Ochoa expresses that in the rugged wilderness of West Texas, as a Bishop he is called to prepare the way of the Lord by the proclamation of The Gospel and by how he lives and sets examples. It is in this way that the Bishop is to lead the souls entrusted to him to eternal salvation, which is Christ, in the life to come.

The device is completed with the external ornaments which are a gold processional cross, which is placed in back of shield and which extends above and below the shield, and pontifical hat, called gallero, with its six tassels, in three rows, on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of prelate of the rank of Bishop, by instruction of the Holy See of March 31, 1969.

By: Deacon Paul J. Sullivan
Written 26 IV 96

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