- 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.
Robert Shane Bengry
Carberry, Manitoba
Grant of Arms and Badge
April 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 48
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Azure and Or, in chief a Loyalist civil coronet and in base a cross couped voided throughout counterchanged;
Motto
GEFEOÞ CHRISTES;
Badge
A cross voided throughout Azure surmounted by a Loyalist civil coronet Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold and blue recall the Canadian Prairie where Father Bengry was born and raised and where his ancestors toiled as pioneers. The colours also represent the chief sacraments of which every Christian priest is steward: the wheat of the Holy Eucharist and the waters of Holy Baptism; the gold also represents Christ Himself while blue is the traditional colour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The coronet recognizes his Loyalist ancestry and symbolizes Father Bengry’s enthusiastic support for the Canadian monarchy. The cross alludes to his primary identity in the Church as a priest and Benedictine Canon.
Motto
Meaning “Rejoice in Christ”, this exhortation, rendered in Old English, was inspired by Martin Luther’s quote “Be a sinner and sin stoutly, but more stoutly believe and rejoice in Christ!”
Badge
The cross beneath the coronet emphasises the idea that one’s faith underlies one’s service.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 12, 2011, in Volume 145, page 3516 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert Shane Bengry, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Palina Klimava
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual