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.
Calgary, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
November 15, 2013
Vol. VI, p. 279
Arms of St. Mary's University CollegeBlazonAzure a cross Or between 1st and 4th four M majuscules in cross, those in pale Or those in fess Argent, and 2nd and 3rd an open book Argent bound Or; SymbolismBlue is associated with St. Mary, the patron saint of the university college, while white and yellow are the colours of the Holy See, thus alluding to the university college’s affiliation with the Roman Catholic church. Blue and gold are the university college’s colours. The central cross indicates its Christian foundations. The crosses of capital M shapes, a reference to the name of Mary, are based on the emblem in use by St. Mary’s since 2004. The books indicate that St. Mary’s is an educational body. |
CrestBlazonOn a rocky mount an osprey wings displayed proper grasping in the dexter claw a scroll Or; SymbolismThe osprey is a local bird that nests on campus. The peaks refer to the Rocky Mountains near Calgary. The scroll symbolizes scholarship and alludes to the degrees bestowed on graduates. |
MottoBlazonIN LUMINE TUO VIDEBIMUS LUMEN; SymbolismThis Latin phrase meaning “In your light we shall see light” is taken from Psalm 35:10 in the Vulgate (36:9 in the English Psalter). It has been used as the university college’s motto since 2004. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a bison Or accorné and unguled Azure, sinister a white-tailed deer Or attired and unguled Azure queued Argent, both standing on a mount of prairie grass set with wild roses and garden lilies proper; SymbolismThe bison indicates that St. Mary’s is located at the former site of a Blackfoot buffalo jump, thus also alluding to the original presence of the First Nations. White-tailed deer appear frequently on campus. The lily and the rose are both symbols of St. Mary. The lily is also as a symbol of Francophone culture and thus refers to the fact that St. Mary’s is located on the site of the home of the Quebec-born Fr. Albert Lacombe, the famed missionary priest of the southern Alberta region. The wild rose is the provincial flower of Alberta. |
Flag of St. Mary's University CollegeBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of St. Mary's University CollegeBlazonFour M majuscules in cross, those in pale Or those in fess Azure; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 22, 2014 in Volume 148, page 656 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherLuc Saucier Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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