- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Eric Messier
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
June 20, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 283
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Azure two swords in saltire Argent hilts and pommels Or between three fleurs-de-lis one and two and in base two bars wavy Or;
Crest
A lion passant guardant Or charged on the shoulder with a fleur-de-lis and holding in the forepaw a rod of Aesculapius Azure its serpent Or;
Motto
IN ARDUIS PROTEGERE;
Symbolism
Arms
The golden wavy stripes represent a windswept field of wheat, and the swords allude to the act of protecting. Together, they are a canting reference to the name Messier, which comes from the Latin word for “harvest,” and which was probably first borne by people hired to watch over crops. The blue background and golden fleurs-de-lis mark the French origins of Mr. Messier’s family.
Crest
The lion symbolizes ardour. The rod of Aesculapius refers to the fact that Mr. Messier’s father was a physician. The fleur-de-lis repeats the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “To protect in difficult circumstances.”