Thomas A. Dennellan

Most Reverend Thomas Andrew Dennellan
Ninth Bishop of Ogdensburg
(1964-1968)












Most Reverend Thomas Andrew Dennellan, ninth bishop of Ogdensburg, chose for his motto, MINISTRARE NON MINISTRARI, “TO SERVE AND NOT TO BE SERVED.” This had been the motto of his deceased friend, Bishop James Griffiths.
 


The green gallero, with six tassels arranged in three rows on either side of the shield, and a processional cross, miter, and crosier symbolize the prelate’s rank.
 


The two spearheads on the sinister impalement recall the martyrdom of St. Thomas, his patron, while the cross of St. Andrew commemorates his father’s patron.

The oak tree is from the arms of the Donnellan family of Galway, Ireland and the two ermine crosses from Cardinal Spellman’s insignia.