Most Reverend Robert Lyons, M.Div., BCC, CPESBorn in California, Bishop Rob spent his early years in Florida before relocating to Indiana in time to start kindergarten. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1997 and has served in both parish and health-care ministries over the years. In 2022, he was consecrated as a bishop in the Old Catholic tradition. He works full time as a healthcare chaplain and Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, and serves Saint Mary's Ministries in Johnson County, Indiana. He has a deep passion for liturgy and worship, and is the general editor of various liturgical works.
Bishop Rob, together with his wife and children, live in Greenwood, Indiana. In his free time he enjoys building scale models, devours science fiction and spaceflight related books and movies, hikes, and at times aspires to be a nature photographer.
Coat of Arms
Bishop Lyons provides an overview of his Coat of Arms,
as well as a description of the unique symbolism
that reflects his sense of ministry.
The galero is the traditional daily-wear hat of a cleric in the Latin tradition, though it’s use these days is generally restricted to heraldry. Green is the ecclesiastical color of a bishop. The twelve tassels used on a bishop's galero are said to represent the twelve apostles.
The cross is a symbol of Christ, made more explicit with the five rubies, representing the five wounds of Christ. Ancient liturgical practice often saw a cross such as this precede a bishop in procession.
The scroll bears the motto of the bishop, which is intended to speak to some aspect of the bishop’s self-understood identity, an aspect of devotion, etc. Some bishops choose prayer texts, hymn verses, or other significant phrases. Most choose a passage of Sacred Scripture. Mine is drawn from Galatians 2:20, by way of a hymn, “No Longer I” by John Michael Talbot.
The most prominent portion of the design, the shield, is an area where - with signs and symbols - a message is conveyed. For some bishops, it is a place for family history and faith to blend, for others it’s a place to represent specific theological concepts they aspire to faithfully convey through their ministry. Here is the story I hope my shield tells, told from bottom to top.
Our journey begins in Baptismal waters, and winds through life. In that life we are nourished with the gifts of wheat and grape in the Eucharist, Jesus’ covenant meal, our food for the journey. At times, the path dips… avoids rough contours… and may, in the sight of some, disappear. We all have challenges and doubts that arise. God is big enough for that. Ultimately, we look to the hills, and beyond, for our help; and our path must rise up to meet Christ, the Daystar, who shines his light upon all.
This is the journey of faith. It’s a road that I, as a bishop, will be expected to guide others along in a particular way; and I will have a special ministry to confirm and strengthen the faith of the clergy who serve with me in shepherding others along that pathway. Yet, I too remain a fellow traveler.
