- The Governor General of Canada
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John Corriveau
Nelson, British Columbia
Grant of Arms
January 30, 2008
Vol. V, p. 199
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess dancetty Or and Azure, in chief a tau cross Gules surmounted by two arms in saltire, that in bend naked that in bend sinister habited as a Franciscan proper, both with hands pierced Gules, in base a jug within a basin Or;
Motto
PACIFICANS PER SANGUINEM CRUCIS EIUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The jagged horizontal line represents the mountains at Nelson, British Columbia, with the gold upper half reflecting the colour of the setting sun. In one sense, it separates the shield into parts of calling and service. The emblem in the upper part of the shield is that of the Capuchin Order of Friars Minor, symbolizing Bishop Corriveau’s membership in this order. The red Tau cross, historically associated with St. Francis, signifies the blood of the cross. The crossed arms represent Christ (the naked arm) and St. Francis of Assisi (the robed arm), signifying for St. Francis “peace through the blood of the cross”. The lower half is coloured blue to speak of Christ’s mother Mary, the titular patron of the cathedral in Nelson. As well, the blue combined with the emblem of jug and basin alludes to the foot-washing ceremony by Christ. Thus, it represents a servant-leader ready to serve.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “Making peace through the blood of his cross”, is taken from Colossians 1:20.