Arms of Stephen Andrew Hero

Blazon

Sable a saltire pommé throughout between in chief and in base six mullets Or and in the flanks two turtledoves respectant Argent;

Symbolism

For Bishop Hero, black represents both earth and mystery, while gold symbolizes divine glory and the royal dignity of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. White stands for purity and holiness. The saltire shape alludes to the cross of St. Andrew, as well as the tilted cross on the crown of St. Stephen of Hungary, the two saints after whom Bishop Hero is named. More generally, it also indicates that disciples must share in the cross of Jesus. The two turtledoves stand for St. Joseph, embodying the love for one’s God and one’s neighbours, and mark Bishop Hero’s association with St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, of which he formerly was rector. The twelve stars are sometimes found in artistic depictions of Mary.