Arms of Bruce Herbert Warren Howe

Blazon

Per saltire Azure and Argent, in chief a cross bottony conjoined to the flukes of an anchor, in base a sword Argent hilt and pommel Or surmounted by an open book Argent bound Or, in each flank four trillium leaves in cross charged with a trillium flower proper;

Symbolism

The division of the shield has many meanings. A saltire is found in the arms of Nova Scotia, where Bishop Howe was born and raised, in the arms of the Diocese of Nova Scotia, where he was ordained and where he served for many years, and in the arms of families named Bruce, thus reflecting his forename. Being the emblem of St. Andrew, the saltire also marks the fact that Bishop Howe was enthroned on St Andrew’s day 2000. The blue and white colours also reflect this fact, as well as his Nova Scotian roots. The saltire can also refer to the first letter in the name of Christ in Greek, and to the crossed swords in the arms of the Diocese of Huron.The anchor refers to Bishop Howe’s father’s naval service, and can also refer to Ss. Simon and Jude, the “fishers of men” in the Gospels, on whose feast day Bishop Howe was consecrated. The Bishop is also a member of the Fishermen’s Union. The endings of the anchor are meant to represent the Trinity, and the trefoil shape is found in the pinnacles of the Cathedral. There is also a trefoil (shamrock or clover shape) in the arms of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which were granted while Bishop Howe was Dean and Rector. The sword and book combination at the bottom of the shield, the traditional symbol of St. Paul (representing his epistle writing and his martyrdom), is a more explicit reference to his twelve years of service as Dean. The trillium flowers refer to Ontario and the Trinity, and the four leaves make a reference to the Bishop’s four daughters.