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MOST REV. LEONARD P. BLAIR - Ordained June 16, 1976. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit (MI) July 9, 1999. Consecrated Bishop (MI) August 24, 1999. Appointed Bishop of Toledo (OH) October 7, 2003. Installed December 4, 2003.
BISHOP BLAIR'S COAT OF ARMS - A diocesan bishop's personal coat of arms is "impaled" with the coat of arms of his diocese, that is, they are arranged side by side on one shield. On the left of Bishop Blair's coat of arms, the crest of the Diocese of Toledo is represented: a silver tower marked with a red cross, symbolizing the church in Toledo as a stronghold of Catholic faith. This image is based on a crest of Toledo in Spain with the addition of a red and blue background, which, with the silver tower creates appropriate national colors for Toledo in America.
On the right are the personal arms of Bishop Blair, which reflect his life and ministries as a priest and bishop. The design is based on the coat of arms of his home diocese, the Archdiocese of Detroit, reflected in the gold field with black cross and silver stars. At the top of the cross are two keys crossed with a sword representing the two Princes of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul. At the bottom is a fleur-de-lis, symbolic of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross. In a separate central shield is a golden lion on a red field, holding a heart in his forepaw. The use of the lion is a reference to the bishop's baptismal name, Leonard ("lion-hearted") and recalls the coat of arms of the various seminaries he attended.
The Latin motto, PASCE OVES MEAS, is taken from St. John's Gospel. These words, which mean "feed, tend my sheep," are spoken by the Risen Christ to Saint Peter who, after having denied Christ three times, now makes a triple profession of love.
To feed Christ's sheep with love is the mission to which all bishops, priests and deacons are called through ministry of Word and Sacrament.
 ADVISORY COUNCILS TO THE BISHOP:
Priests CouncilRepresenting the presbyterate, the Priests’ Council is to be like a senate of the bishop, assisting him in the governance of the diocese (canon 495).
College of Consultors
The College of Consultors advises the bishop in the more important matters of diocesan administration (canon 502).
Deans
Also known as a vicar forane in the Code of Canon Law, each dean has the responsibility of promoting and coordinating the pastoral activity of his deanery according to the norm of law. Together, the deans serve as advisors to the bishop (canon 553-555).
Diocesan Pastoral Advisory Council
The Diocesan Pastoral Advisory Council is a recommending body which will assist the Bishop in setting the direction and vision for the diocese for pastoral ministry. The Diocesan Pastoral Advisory Council will engage in a planning process, which includes assessment, development of strategies and evaluation. As it prays and works to carry out its mission, the Council will promote and model collaboration, collegiality, cooperation and community.
Finance Council
The Council reviews quarterly financial statements and advises the bishop on financial matters and investments.
Project Review Board
The Project Review Board assists the bishop of Toledo by reviewing potential building, renovation and property expansion plans of the institutions of the diocese.
Building Commission
The Commission reviews all areas of architectural and structural design of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems involving the construction, repair or remodeling of church property.
Liturgical Commission
At the invitation of the Bishop, the Toledo Diocesan Liturgical Commission, in collaboration with the Office of Worship, assists the Bishop in carrying out his function as promoter and guardian of the liturgical life of the Diocese.
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