There are many historically Catholic countries, but there’s only one country that has the Holy Scriptures flying on its flag: the Dominican Republic, a beautiful Caribbean island characterized by the warmth and fervor of its people.
At first glance, the flag has a large white cross in the center and, right in the middle, in the heart of the flag, is the Coat of Arms. This in turn contains an open Bible crowned by a small cross.
In addition, a Gospel chapter and verse were specifically chosen. The text is John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
When the country was seeking independence, proponents of the cause felt it important to emphasize freedom in a broad sense in their national symbols. However, they also wanted to highlight specifically the freedom that comes from faith and good principles, those that allow you to discern between good and evil. Lies, on the other hand, can even divide nations, because they generate mistrust, unrest, and anxiety.
Design of the coat of arms
The coat of arms was designed by Dominican politician Casimiro Nemesio de Moya and became official in 1913. Its characteristics were enshrined in Article 32 of the constitution:
The National Coat of Arms has the same colors as the National Flag arranged in the same way. In the center is a Bible open to the Gospel of St. John, chapter 8, verse 32, and above it a cross, both emerging from a trophy consisting of two spears and four national flags without a coat of arms, arranged on both sides; there is a laurel wreath on the left side and a palm wreath on the right side.
It is crowned by an ultramarine blue ribbon bearing the motto “Dios, Patria y Libertad” (God, Homeland, and Freedom). At the base is another vermilion ribbon with the words “República Dominicana” (Dominican Republic) pointing upwards.
Unfortunately, certain politicians sometimes decide to use the flag without the coat of arms, but Dominicans immediately protest because they consider it disrespectful to their nation's Christian values. For most, God is the center of everything, and this is clearly reflected in their flag. Some even believe that it is their love and devotion to the Lord that protects them from the natural disasters that have befallen their neighbor, Haiti.
Not even the Vatican
There are other countries that have included Christian symbols on their flags, with the cross being the main feature. For example, there’s the famous Union Jack, which is the flag of the United Kingdom, composed of a combination of the crosses of the patron saints of England (St. George), Scotland (St. Andrew), and Northern Ireland (St. Patrick).
However, the Dominican Republic is the only nation with a Bible on its flag. Not even the Vatican State has one! So next time you travel to this Caribbean island (or if you live there), be sure to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset, surrounded by nature, with the flag — and the Bible — waving in the wind.
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