The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms
July 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 463
Arms of St. Mary's Cathedral BasilicaBlazonBarry wavy Or and Azure a lily flower proper, on a chief Azure a mullet Or between two mayflowers proper; SymbolismThe wavy bars represent water, referring to Halifax’s importance as an Atlantic sea port. The lily is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is thus a reference to the Cathedral’s patron. The gold star, the Stella Maris or “star of the sea”, is another Marian symbol. The mayflowers are the provincial floral emblem of Nova Scotia. |
MottoBlazonJESU FLOS MATRIS VIRGINIS; SymbolismJESU FLOS MATRIS VIRGINIS, meaning “Jesus, flower born of the Virgin Mother” is from the third hymn, fifth stanza (for Lauds) of the poem Jesu Dulcis Memoria, attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153). |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 12, 2009 in Volume 143, page 3682 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert Pichette, Dauphin Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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