Arms of Jacques Pierre Périgny

Blazon

Argent on an escallop Gules a mullet of seven points Argent, on a chief Gules a heart between two oak leaves Argent;

Symbolism

Red and white are the national colours of Canada and those of the Order of Malta. The shell is the traditional emblem of the pilgrim, termed jacquet, while en route to the tomb of St. James the Great in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For Mr. Périgny, the shell also symbolizes fertility and resurrection. The grooves that widen out in the shell express the idea that each child is called upon to shine forth and to give the best of himself. The star on the shell symbolizes the star of Epiphany and refers to the name of the parish of Mr. Périgny’s ancestors. It also commemorates the festival of the Magi. The seven rays of the star allude to his seven children. The heart, in centre of the chief, is a universal symbol of nursing intended to pay homage to Mrs. Jacqueline Lachapelle, a nurse and Mr. Périgny’s mother-in-law. It also symbolizes courage, generosity and the power of love. The shadowing on the heart is a special artistic touch referring to suffering, pain and the fragile nature of life. The oak (chêne) leaves, on either side of the heart, recall both the family name of the spouse of Mr. Périgny, Ms. Louise Deschênes, and that of his mother, Ms. Françoise Courchesne. The leaves also represent justice, solidity and the beauty of nature.