- 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.
Victor Anthony Cardozo
Markham, Ontario
Grant of Arms
July 16, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 132
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules between two roses slipped and leaved, an East African shield Or charged with four spears bound Gules, on a chief embattled Or a Jerusalem cross between two palm trees Gules;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of roses Gules, a demi lion Or grasping in the dexter paw a banner Argent charged with a cross Gules;
Motto
PRO MAE DE DEUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours of the shield have celebratory connotations in Indian society. The rose is a reference to Col. Cardozo’s wife, Rosita. The traditional Kenyan shield indicates the country of Col. Cardozo’s birth. The four spears are indicative of his four children, also born in Kenya. Bound together, these spears are a traditional African way of signifying children. The crenellated chief is a reference to Col. Cardozo’s ancestral heritage in Goa, India, which has many Portuguese fortifications and a tower on its coat of arms. Col. Cardozo’s military career is also indicated by the chief, and his wish to guard and protect what he espouses. The two palm trees represent the two lines of Goan ancestry that have converged in Col. Cardozo’s marriage. The Jerusalem cross makes a reference to his Roman Catholic faith and, more specifically, to his involvement in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
Crest
The crest refers to the animal life of Kenya and to Col. Cardozo’s service to the Sovereign. The wreath of roses links the crest to the arms.
Motto
This Portuguese phrase means “For the Mother of God,” an expression of Col. Cardozo’s faith.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on February 22, 2003, in Volume 137, page 517 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert Black, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual