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Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge
November 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 131
Arms of Holy Family ParishBlazonSable a pelican in its piety wings inverted Argent beaked and nested Or between three gouttes d’eau, a chief wavy Gules edged and charged with three celestial crowns Or; SymbolismRed, yellow and black are the colours of the German flag, representing the founding congregation of the parish. The crowns symbolize the three members of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The red portion of the shield alludes to the founding of the parish on the Feast of the Precious Blood, while the wavy band indicates that the parish is located near the ocean, in Vancouver. The pelican symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice. As a migratory bird, it also represents the parishioners who travel great distances to the parish each Sunday out of love and devotion. Finally, the tear drops are taken from the arms of the order of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, whose priests serve the parish. |
MottoBlazonPACEM ET GRATIAM CONSTITUERE; SymbolismThis Latin phrase, meaning “To establish peace and grace,” is taken from one of the prayers recited on the Feast of the Holy Family. The fuller saying begs God to accept the sacrifice that the parish offers and to establish the households of the parish in peace and grace to follow the example of the Holy Family. |
Flag of Holy Family ParishBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of Holy Family ParishBlazonA gonfanon of the Arms with three tails each per pale Argent and Sable; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Holy Family ParishBlazonA pelican in its piety wings inverted Argent beaked, nested and within a cord knotted in base Or; SymbolismThe pelican represents Jesus. The knotted cord surrounding it reflects the close-knit nature of the parish community, as well as the relationship between the Holy Family and each parishioner. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Holy Family Parish and Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterD. Robert Tunstall CalligrapherLuc Saucier Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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