Arms of St. Mary's University College
Arms of St. Mary's University College
Blazon
Azure 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;
Symbolism
Blue 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.
Crest of St. Mary's University College
Blazon
On a rocky mount an osprey wings displayed proper grasping in the dexter claw a scroll Or;
Symbolism
The 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.
Motto of St. Mary's University College
Blazon
IN LUMINE TUO VIDEBIMUS LUMEN;
Symbolism
This 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.
Supporters of St. Mary’s University College
Blazon
Dexter 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;
Symbolism
The 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.
