- 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.
St. Aloysius Parish
Thorold South, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 545
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure two keys in saltire, in chief three lilies above a fillet embattled Argent;
Motto
ESTOTE FORTES IN BELLO;
Flag
A guidon, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with the Badge;
Badge
A vambraced arm fesswise proper holding a Latin cross, all within an annulus Azure edged and inscribed NUMQUAM CEDERE, meaning “Never submit”, in letters Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue represents devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It evokes the water surrounding the Niagara peninsula as well as the Welland Canal, which is an important part of the history of Thorold and the reason the parish was established. The crossed keys denote fidelity to the papacy, as well as the Fraternity of St. Peter, the religious community that has spiritual care of the parish. The crenellated line represents faithfulness and steadfastness in belief. The lily is a traditional symbol of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, for whom the parish was named. Their number denotes the Holy Trinity.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Be strong in war” and it is taken from the Magnificat antiphon at the office of vespers for the feast of an apostle, as found in the traditional Roman Breviary.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The arm encased in armour symbolizes the defense of the faith. The cross is another attribute of St. Aloysius and represents piety and sacrifice. The Latin phrase means “Never submit” and is derived from Ecclesiasticus 4:31 (“Submit not thyself to any man for sin”).
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2016, in Volume 150, page 740 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Local (church, synagogue)