- 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.
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate Parish
Guelph, Ontario
Grant of Arms
May 15, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 505
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a fess enarched between in chief an ancient crown Gules and in base a violet flower proper;
Motto
MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD;
Symbolism
Arms
White is a colour symbolizing purity. The ancient crown alludes to the one that appears in the arms of the City of Guelph, and in this position also alludes to the Virgin Mary’s title of “Queen of Heaven”. The arch refers to the fact that the church building is known as “the church on the hill”. The violet, a Marian symbol, represents the heart of the church, and, with the colour for purity, refers to the Immaculate Conception.
Motto
In Luke 1:46, Mary says these words to her cousin Elizabeth.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 3, 2015, in Volume 149, page 2337 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Local (church, synagogue)