The episcopal heraldic achievement or bishop’s coat of arms is composed of a shield with its charges (symbols), a motto scroll and the external ornamentation. The shield, the central and most important feature of any heraldic device, is described (blazoned) in archaic 12th century terms. This description is presented as if given by the bearer with the shield being worn on the arm. Thus, where it applies, the terms dexter and sinister are reversed as the device is viewed from the front.

By heraldic tradition, the arms of the bishop are joined or impaled with the arms of his jurisdiction. In this case, these are the arms of the Diocese of Sioux City, seen in the dexter impalement or left side of the shield.

These arms are composed of a gold (yellow) field which display three red snakes. Each snake has its tail in its mouth, encircling a red cross with each arm ending in what looks like a lily. These snakes form the arms of the diocese because the Sioux, which means “little snakes,” was applied to the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota nations by the Chippewa tribe to distinguish them from the Iroquois, the “big snakes.” Each of the snakes is arranged in a circle, an ancient Native American symbol for eternity, acknowledging that all aspects of life are part of the one “Circle of Life.” The snakes encircle a cross, the symbol of the Christian Faith. By the joint use of these symbols we are reminded of the words of St. Augustine: “To prefigure Christ’s Cross, Moses, by the merciful command of God, raised aloft upon a pole the image of a serpent in the desert, that the likeness of sinful flesh, which must be crucified in Christ, might be prefigured.”

The upper third of the diocesan arms, known as a “chief,” is red and has placed on it three gold crowns to signify the Magi. These three men from the East had the identity of Christ manifested to them and are celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany each year. By the use of these crowns, the three kings are acknowledged as the patrons of Sioux City’s Cathedral of the Epiphany.

For his personal arms, His Excellency, Bishop Nickless employs a design that represents his heritage and ministry in Christ’s holy Priesthood.

On a silver (white) field, the outline of a cross in red has the outline of four circles conjoined, also outlined in red. In the center of the four circles is a heart, pierced by a golden sword and emblazoned with the letter “M,” symbolizing his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This entire representation is taken from the embroidery and appliqué of a priestly vestment, a chasuble, worn by St. John Vianney, also known as “The Curé of Ars.” St. John Vianney, on whose feast Bishop Nickless was ordained a priest, is the Patron Saint of Parish Priests and the Patron of Bishop Nickless’ childhood parish and school. Bishop Nickless has always looked to this Saint as a model and inspiration in his priesthood, desiring to be a holy priest for God’s holy people through the maternal mediation of Mary, the Mother of God and of Priests.

In the quarters that are formed by the outlined cross are four Colorado columbine blossoms as they would appear in nature. These images of the State Flower of Colorado represent Bishop Nickless’ life and priestly ministry in Colorado.

For his episcopal motto, Bishop Nickless has chosen the phrase: SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE. By the use of these words from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 4:15), he wants to express how his teaching as bishop will be nothing other than the truth of Christ and His Church. This Truth is sometimes hard to hear and put into practice and so must always be spoken in love. In the end, Truth and Love are one and the same, namely Jesus Christ our Lord.

The heraldic achievement is completed with external ornaments. First, a gold processional cross, placed in back of and extending above and below the shield. Second, the pontifical hat called a “gallero,” is featured in green with its six tassels in three rows on either side of the shield. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by instruction of The Holy See of March 31, 1969.