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Sherbrooke, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badges, with differences to Gabriel Noah Bernier, Liam Nathaniel Bernier and Raphaël James Bernier
May 20, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 91
Arms of Frédéric BernierBlazonPer fess Azure and Argent, in chief a lion passant guardant holding in its dexter paw a key bow in chief Or, in base a wyvern passant contourné Azure collared and chained Or; SymbolismFor Dr. Bernier, the juxtaposition of the lion and the wyvern represents the eternal struggle between one’s ideals and temptations. Blue represents water, while white embodies the purity of ideals and gold symbolizes strength and loyalty. The key alludes to the importance of learning and, therefore, Dr. Bernier’s role as a university professor. The four loops on the key represent his wife and three children. |
CrestBlazonA demi-lion Azure winged Argent, gorged with a coronet of maple leaves, fleurs-de-lis and roses, holding a rod of Aesculapius Or and issuant from flames proper; SymbolismThe winged lion rising from the flames alludes to ideas of rebirth and hope. As a symbol of medicine, the rod of Aesculapius refers to Dr. Bernier’s profession. The maple leaf, fleur-de-lis and rose coronet embodies his affection for Canada, Quebec and England. |
MottoBlazonPESSIMUM PARARE OPTIMUM SPERARE; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” |
Flag of Frédéric BernierBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of Frédéric BernierBlazonA standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with the second Badge, the Crest and the first Badge, all separated by two bends sinister Azure inscribed with the Motto in letters Argent; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Frédéric BernierBlazonA key bow in chief enfiling a coronet of maple leaves, fleurs-de-lis and roses Or; SymbolismThe crown is taken from the crest, while the key with four loops is taken from the arms. |
Badge of Frédéric BernierBlazonA hurt charged with a winged lion-wyvern statant Or within a belt Gules edged buckled and inscribed FIDES VITÆ Or; SymbolismThe winged lion-wyvern beast alludes to the creatures on the Arms and symbolizes the perpetual struggle between the courage to follow one’s convictions and the lure of personal gain. The Latin expression on the belt means “Trust in life.” |
Differenced Arms for Gabriel Noah Bernier, child of Frédéric BernierBlazonThe Arms of Frédéric Bernier per fess Or and Azure, the lion and key Azure and the wyvern Argent all during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Liam Nathaniel Bernier, child of Frédéric BernierBlazonThe Arms of Frédéric Bernier per fess wavy instead of per fess; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Raphaël James Bernier, child of Frédéric BernierBlazonThe Arms of Frédéric Bernier per fess indented instead of per fess; 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 October 29, 2022 in Volume 156, page 5124 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Frédéric Bernier, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |