The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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.

Dennis Paul Drainville

Barachois, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Aurora Patterson-Drainville
April 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 718

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Or a donkey passant supporting on its shoulder a staff proper flying therefrom a streamer Azure charged with a fleur-de-lis Or, on a chief embattled Azure a northern gannet tergiant diving Argent between six rays Or;

Motto

JUSTICE • MERCY • HUMILITY;

Crest

A demi-griffin Azure beaked, membered and holding in its dexter claw a crozier Or and resting its sinister claw on an open book proper;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

A donkey passant proper supporting on its shoulder a staff Or flying therefrom a streamer Azure charged with a fleur-de-lis Or;

Differenced Arms for Aurora Patterson-Drainville, daughter of Dennis Paul Drainville

The Arms of Dennis Paul Drainville debruised of a three-point label Or during her father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;

Arms of Dennis Paul Drainville impaled with the Arms of the See of Quebec (also known as the Anglican Diocese of Quebec)

The Arms of Dennis Paul Drainville impaled with the Arms of the See of Quebec (also known as the Anglican Diocese of Quebec) as registered in Volume VI, page 158;


Symbolism

Arms

The donkey refers to Aldo, who lived in the garden of the bishop’s residence in Québec, which in turn is represented by the fleur-de-lis on the streamer. The donkey represents hard work and humility, and is associated with Christ’s nativity and his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The cross of dark fur on the back of donkeys can also serve as an allusion to Christ. The crenellated line alludes to the fortifications of the city of Quebec. The gannet is a bird found in great abundance in the Gaspé region of Quebec, where Bishop Drainville lived for many years. In this descending position it alludes to depictions of the Holy Spirit in art, where it is shown as a dove. The rays allude to light and thus the name of Bishop Drainville’s daughter, Aurora, which means “dawn”.

Motto

This phrase is taken from Micah 6:8: “And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”.

Crest

The griffin refers to Bishop Drainville’s mother’s family name, Griffin, and to the green demi-griffin crest of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, indicating that he once served as a Member of Provincial Parliament there. The crozier symbolizes his status as a bishop. The book represents the gospels and is taken from the arms of the Anglican Diocese of Quebec.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Differenced Arms for Aurora Patterson-Drainville, daughter of Dennis Paul Drainville

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Arms of Dennis Paul Drainville impaled with the Arms of the See of Quebec (also known as the Anglican Diocese of Quebec)

Bishop Drainville may bear his arms impaled with those of the See of Quebec (also known as the Anglican Diocese of Quebec) to indicate his service as Bishop of Quebec (2009-2017).


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 31, 2018, in Volume 152, page 894 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Robert S. Bengry

Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard


Recipient Information

Individual